Alyssa nodded in understanding, fully aware of Balfourâs stubborn streak. Sometimes he just couldnât see things from a different angle.
And when it came to his relationship with Ivy, it was often Ivy who showed more patience with him.
Balfour and Mara, on the other hand, appeared to have a different dynamic. To an outsider, it might seem that Balfour was the accommodating one, but in reality, Mara wa always looking to him for approval.
She would playfully pout and whine to get her way, but she always knew where to draw the line.
She was terrified of the thought that Balfour might tire of her antics.
If Mara ever crossed his boundaries, Balfour might just walk away without even looking back.
But with Ivy, it was a two-way street of mutual forbearance.
Since being with Ivy, Balfour had done many things heâd never done before.
It was during their arguments that he realized for the first time that his boundaries could be lowered, repeatedly, for someone else.
Sometimes, he would even swallow his pride completely, just as long as Ivy was willing to pay him any attention.
But Ivy was oblivious to all this. She just felt that whenever she was with Balfour, they were always bickering.
Alyssa saw all this and knew better. She knew that others wouldnât dare to argue with Balfour, not even the kids from families who were considered an equal match.
Balfour had fought his way through the business world and had developed a reputation for being cold and decisive.
In his interactions with his peers, he often came across as indifferent, but Ivy wasnât the least bit intimidated by him.
At the end of the day, she was very special to him.
âCome on, letâs head back inside. Youâve been out in the cold for a while; your hands are freezing. Letâs get back before you catch a chill. Otherwise I have to explain to Balfour,â Alyssa said.
Ivy blushed, aware that Balfour had been fussing over her health to an exasperating extent lately.
Even a small blister on her finger could set him off on a long-winded lecture.
Alyssa, on the other hand, smiled in satisfaction.
As they returned, Ivyâs heart felt somewhat lighter.
After all, Maraâs sister had sacrificed her life to save Balfour years ago. There was a bond between them that Ivy could never break, no matter how hard she tried.
When they got back, Balfour was in the kitchen with Dean and Mara, all of them watching the staff make pies.
Mara and Balfour were keeping their distance from each other, with Dean in between, much to Alyssaâs satisfaction.
âNot bad, Balfour. Youâre learning how to make pies now,â she commented with a hint of pride.
Balfour had just pinched a pie together as a trial.
Alyssa was inspecting his handiwork when Ivy was about to wash her hands to join in, but she was stopped.
âYouâre still recovering; you shouldnât be working with your hands,â Alyssa chided.
Seeing Mara lend a hand and with Alyssa joining in, Ivy felt a little embarrassed to be sidelined.
Thatâs when Mara chimed in, âIvy, youâve been resting up in the hospital. Best not overdo it.â
Balfour had planned this especially for Ivy, hoping to treat her to some fresh pies that were more delicious than the ones heâd brought to the hospital. The filling was even seasoned to Ivyâs taste by Althea, the family chef.
Balfour agreed, nodding for Ivy to take it easy. He would be happiest if she simply cozied up on the couch and watched TV, not lifting a finger.
Ivy rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath at Balfourâs side.
âIâm out of the hospital, and you still wonât let me do anything. Iâm not allowed to do this; Iâm not allowed to do that. What, am I supposed to become useless, living off you, only eating and drinking all day?â
Balfour raised an eyebrow at Ivyâs words.