How could Ivy explain it to Nolan?
Was she happy with Balfour?
There had been moments of happiness, certainly. Just being in the same room with him seemed enough to make her heart swell.
But ever since Mara came into the picture, everything got so complicated.
Balfourâs gaze wasnât solely on her anymore. His world now included another woman, one who had known him longer and understood him better.
From that point on, being by Balfourâs side brought more anxiety than joy, but for those fleeting moments of happiness, she was willing to endure.
It wasnât until she couldnât bear it any longer that she moved out of their shared house, seeking clarity and space, and also yearning to understand Balfourâs true feelings for her. Did he favor her even a little?
âTrue happiness requires no hesitation or pondering over. You donât have to give me an answer now. I can see it in your eyes. Ivy, Iâm not asking for a resolution from you, just remember what I said today.
Always put your own happiness first, even if itâs against me. Nolan seemed genuinely unattached to any outcome, not even waiting for Ivyâs response before he ruffled her hair affectionately.
âAlright, youâve had enough to deal with today. Iâve said a lot, and Iâm glad you listened patiently. Now, go rest.â
Ivy blinked, her reaction delayed until Nolan ushered her in and was about to close the door behind her.
Thatâs when she suddenly stopped him.
âNolan-â
âYeah?â
âCan you give me a little more time to think things through, please?â
Nolan had braced himself for his unrequited love to end without fanfare, never expecting an answer from Ivy.
He nodded almost giddily, âOf course! Now, get some rest!â
After Nolan left, Ivy placed her crutches aside and slowly walked to the couch, leaning against the wall for support. She sank down, unsure if she could really let go of Balfour.
The contract between them had bound them together for so long.
Now, she was certain he no longer held a place for her in his heart, a bitter truth to swallow.
If he had even a shred of feeling for her, he wouldnât have doubted her so.
âI never thought falling in love for the first time could be this painful. Balfour, I canât do this anymore, I donât want to keep loving you.â
Ivy whispered these words to herself in the empty room, a solitary tear tracing down her cheek.
Meanwhile, Balfour was at Maraâs bedside at the hospital. Despite the doctors assuring that Mara was fine, just temporarily unconscious and would wake within half an hour, he couldnât leave until she was awake.
Maraâs sister, Victoria, had been kidnapped because of him, and he couldnât let anything happen to Victoriaâs sister!
It was then that he had promised Victoriaâs father that he would always take good care of Mara.
If only he had handled the tension between Ivy and Mara better, none of this would have happened.