Chapter 1917: Chapter 1916

Chapter 1916

When Alyssa pointed it out, the pieces fell into place for Ivy. She had been puzzled, unable to

fathom why Balfour would seek her out for an contractual marriage. After all, she didn't believe he

felt any obligation towards her because of that one night they spent together, nor did she think

eligible women were in short supply around him.

So it was all to appease his family, to meet their incessant prodding.

“Ivy, I can tell you're a good girl. With you by his side, he'll give his grandparents some peace of

mind.”

Faced with Alyssa’s kindness, Ivy suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. Her marriage to Balfour was a sham,

which was set to dissolve after a year. She had no idea how she would face Alyssa when the time

came.

As they strolled, Alyssa gave Ivy some advice before retiring to her quarters, letting the housemaid

guide Ivy to Balfour's room for rest.

Surveying the room, which was several times the size of her former quarters at her family’s

converted storeroom, Ivy couldn't help but marvel.

It felt surreal, like a dream. Just this morning, she was in that tiny bedroom, and now she found

herself in this luxurious master bedroom.

It was overwhelming, almost suffocating.

After a moment lost in thought, Ivy bathed and changed into modest nightwear. With nothing else

to do, she went to bed.

She had been anxious about Balfour's return, uncertain of how to face him, but soon after lying

down, sleepiness took her into its soft

embrace.

A restful night passed, and when she awoke the next day, the other half of the bed was still

untouched, bearing no signs of anyone having slept there.

Balfour hadn't come back last night.

This eased Ivy's mind considerably; she wasn't ready to share a bed with a man who was still a

stranger to her.

Noticing it was still early, Ivy freshened up and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

Upon entering, she found a maid already busy preparing breakfast. Ivy approached with a smile,

“Let me help.”

The maid's smile faltered, "Miss, this is my job. I've got it covered!”

“No worries, I don't anything to do anyway.” Ivy took the basket from the maid's hands and began

washing the ingredients.

The maid didn't leave but stepped aside, watching Ivy with a cool gaze.

Realizing she might have overstepped, possibly endangering the maid's position, Ivy quickly

reassured her with a smile. “What's your name? Don't worry, I'll explain to the grandparents that I

insisted on doing this.”

“Miss, I'm Leila, been here for years. Mr. Balfour's meals have always been my responsibility.”

Ivy glanced at her, sensing an assertion of territory, but then she thought she might be overthinking

it. “Is that so? Then you must know his tastes well?"

ax

"Absolutely. He prefers my cooking over anyone else's. He hardly touches food made by others,”

Leila said with a touch of pride.

Ivy finished prepping the ingredients skillfully and moved to the stove, grinning, “Then you're truly

talented. I must try your cooking sometime!”

Leila forced a smile, “Miss, is there anything else I can help with?”

“Not for now. Take a load off,” Ivy said, focused on flipping scones, her specialty for breakfast.

She wondered if Alyssa and Dean would take to such a simple, homely breakfast.

Leila murmured in response but stayed still in the kitchen, silently waiting aside.