Chapter 2269
Her health was always a bit finicky, and flying tended to make her under the weather for days. So,
her loving circle of family and friends did their best to spare her the ordeal of air travel.
But now, against all odds, she had taken a flight alone.
Had she lost her mind?
The concern in Balfour's voice was unmistakable, giving Mara a sliver of comfort.
âBalfour, for a second there, I thought you stopped caring!â She teased. âOlivia was tied up with
something, and I had to fly back alone. Aren't you going to pick me up? It's been ages since I've
been home, and I don't even know how to find you.â
Balfour's brow was a landscape of worry. He could not fathom why Mara would take such a risk.
What if something happened to her?
âStay put. I'm on my way."
He raced to the airport, fearing Mara alone, vulnerable to health scares in unfamiliar territory,
without a soul to turn to for help.
Stepping out of the car, he saw Mara.
"Mara."
Her face lit up, and she bounded towards him, wrapping him in an eager embrace.
Before he could scold her, she inhaled deeply, her head against his chest, then looked up with
playful eyes. âBalfour, I've missed you so much! It's only been a short while, but it feels like
centuries!â
Once he was sure she was alright, Balfour gently pushed her back, tapping her shoulder, âYou scared
me half to death, you know?â
She gave him a pout. âBut I missed you! And you're always so busy with work, you can't visit me
often. Besides, it's been years since I've been home. I've missed where I grew up. Now that I'm here,
you don't have to trek all the way to M State, right? Isn't that perfect?â
Seeing her lack of gravity about the situation, Balfour spoke sternly. âNext time you return, tell me
or your family in advance. No more surprises. What if you had an emergency on the flight with no
medicine? How could I face your sister then?â
Her pout deepened. âAlways my sister. Would you even care about me if it was not for her?â
Balfour's expression darkened. If it had not been for Maraâs sister saving his life, he would
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Chapter 2269
not be here today. It was one of the reasons he had looked after Mara for so many years.
Knowing how much respect Balfour had for her sister, Mara conceded with a playful stick of her
tongue. âOkay, okay, I get it. I was wrong. Let's get going? I'm tired, and I've yet to visit your
grandma and grandpa. I didn't bring them gifts because I rushed back. Maybe you could take me
shopping for something nice?â
Balfour hesitated. âWe can't go back just yet. I need to swing by the hospital.â
Maraâs face drained of color as she frantically checked him for injuries, âWhy the hospital? Are you
hurt? Sick? Why didn't you tell me?â
Pushing her hands away gently, Balfour explained, âIt's not me. It's Ivy. I mentioned her on the
phone before.â
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