âI just need a little breathing room right now, okay? I wanna be alone for a bit.â
Today had been an absolute mess, and Ivy longed for solitude, to just be with her thoughts in silence.
Nolan watched Ivyâs resolve and finally relented, âHow about I walk you up to your apartment, and Iâll leave once I see youâre safe inside, deal?â
Ivy nodded, but insisted on not needing his support while walking. Reluctantly, Nolan trailed behind her, watching as she hobbled up the stairs with her crutches, each step a small victory.
His heart ached at the sight. Ivy wasnât meant for a life alone in a tiny flat; she deserved to be cherished, held close to someoneâs heart.
If Balfour couldnât do that, then he would!
After ensuring Ivy was back in her apartment, just as she was about to close the door, Nolan interrupted her.
âHm? Is there something else, Nolan?â
Ivy looked up, locking eyes with Nolan, then quickly averted her gaze, sensing the tangled emotions within him. She knew his feelings werenât something she was meant to accept.
âIf thereâs nothing else, you should head back, Nolan. Youâve got a ton of work at the office, right?â
âI do have something. I need to tell you,â Nolan interrupted Ivyâs polite deflection.
Her heart raced, âWhatever it is, can it wait? Iâm pretty wiped out today.â
âIvy, how long are you going to keep running away? I need to say this now. Is it so hard to just give me a chance?â
Facing Nolanâs earnest plea, Ivy was at a loss for words.
âYou know, Nolan, Iâve always seen you as a dear senior, nothing more. Iâm sorry.â
Undeterred by Ivyâs words, Nolan pressed on, âOf course, I know that. But we met before you and he did! I get that Balfour is a hotshot in the business world, young and successful, with admirers galore. I may not measure up to him. But if he treated you well, I wouldnât be saying this today. If youâre unhappy, why not leave?â
Ivy stared at Nolan, taken aback.
âNolan, you donât have to compete with Balfour. Youâre entirely different people. You have your strengths, and he has his. Really, thereâs no need for you to compare yourself with him.â
Ivyâs frown softened, her soothing tone striking a chord in Nolanâs heart.
Even now, her first instinct was to comfort him.
It wasnât about outshining Balfour for her; she was concerned about Nolanâs needless comparisons, especially if they stemmed from her.
âIâve never wanted to compete for anything with him because heâs outstanding, and I know almost everything is out of my reach. But with you, I want to try, at least. I know youâre not an object, not something to be tossed around. Youâre a living, breathing person. I just want to know if youâre truly happy with him. If you are, Iâll take back everything I said today. But if youâre not, could you consider turning around to look at me? Iâve always been right here waiting.â
Ivy met Nolanâs gaze, recognizing a familiar emotion reflected back at her, the same one she felt when she looked at Balfour.
She wondered if Balfour looked at her with the same intensity. Ivy couldnât be sure.