âWhy are you calling so late? You should be getting some rest.â
Mara was nearly moved to tears, and the fact that Balfour still cared about her well-being only made her choke back sobs behind her hand.
She knew that beneath Balfourâs frosty exterior lay a heart warmer than anyone elseâs.
His concern meant he still held a place for her in his heart, and that reassurance settled her spirit.
Mara sniffled, her nose sounding especially clear in the silent night.
âIâm alright, just a bit woozy still. But I couldnât sleep, you know, not without your answer. Balfour, do you think we can still be friends?â
There was silence on the line.
âLook, Iâve got no ulterior motives, really. After our last talk, I got it. Years have passed, weâye both changed, life happened. We kept in touch, sure, but in all the days we werenât there for each other, you found someone else who mattered more. That person is Ivy, isnât it?â
Mara let out a bitter chuckle. âEven without your answer, I know Ivy is your âmeant to be.â Never seen you fall for someone this hard. Heh, if only back then I mightâveâ¦â
Balfour didnât want to hear any more âwhat ifs.â The world didnât run on the hypothetical. Such talk was meaningless, especially since Ivy was by his side now. He couldnât indulge in ambiguous conversations with another woman behind her back.
âIf you keep this up, we really will have to part ways for good. You should know, I answered this call because you said we could maintain a safe distance. If youâ¦â
âI get it! Relax, I called you tonight because Iâve made up my mind. I wonât cling to you anymore. Donât worry, I have a friend, Olivia, abroad, and as soon as she flies over, Iâll move out to live with her. I wonât be a burden to you, and you can enjoy your life with Ivy without me interfering. Balfour, Iâm resolute about this. Do you still need to keep your distance?â
Mara was clearly crying on the other end.
âDonât overthink it, Iâm not trying to push you away.â
Mara cleared her throat, trying to sound mature and understanding.
âI know, but I came back because I was afraid of living alone, and thatâs why I stayed at your place.
Once Olivia arrives, I can live with her. When I was abroad, it was always just me, no family, but at least she was there. So, for me, itâs not much different. You donât need to worry.â
Despite her attempt at optimism, there was a touch of loneliness that Balfour couldnât help but hear in her voice.