The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2199

"Let's face it, it's just a lovers' spat. Don’t be too hard on Balfour," Dean said.

Alyssa rolled her eyes. "You always jump to Balfour's defense before I even get a word in. This whole mess, it's all your fault!"

"Sure, sure, blame me. It's all on me for spoiling Balfour rotten."

Alyssa arched an eyebrow. "Are you dredging up old grievances with me? I doted on Balfour when he was a child, but I never indulged him regarding the important stuff."

Dean vigorously. "Sure, sure, you're absolutely correct. It's all my doing. But still, we need to have a serious talk with him when he gets back. How could he just distrust Ivy over some baseless rumors?"

With a heavy sigh, Alyssa expressed her frustration. "It's because he doesn't trust Ivy that she's so heartbroken now."

Even Dean knew that trust was the most critical issue at hand.

Ivy was laden with worry, convinced she would be unable to sleep, yet the moment her head touched the pillow, she was out like a light. But her sleep was far from peaceful, plagued by dreams.

In her dreams, Balfour chose a blurry-faced woman over her without hesitation...

"Mara, what brings you here? Missed me, did you?"

Dream Balfour was beaming, holding the woman's hand with the innocent joy of a child.

Ivy had never seen him let his guard down and smile so freely.

The woman's voice was crystal clear, reaching Ivy's ears. "Yeah, I came back just for you! Balfour, who's this lady with you?"

As the woman pointed, Balfour glanced indifferently toward Ivy, saying coldly, "She's just someone unimportant. You've not been well; let's not linger outside, shall we?"

With that, Balfour took the woman by the wrist, turned, and walked away, leaving her with nothing but his shrinking silhouette.

"Don't... don't go!"

Ivy heaved a sigh, quickly getting out of bed. The cold sweat from her nightmare made her skin clammy and uncomfortable.

After dinner and back in her room, she realized Balfour still had not returned.

Alyssa and Dean had not mentioned him at the table, perhaps knowing in advance that he would not be home.

Ivy wondered when he would be back and whether she should ask the kitchen to prepare some supper in case he was hungry.

Shaking her head, she thought, why bother? With his wealth, he would never starve!

Despite Balfour's ability to walk away, Ivy still blamed herself for being unable to let this man go easily.

His absence made her anxious, wondering when he would return and whether he would be hungry after managing the colossal Howard Group and overseeing so many people at the company's headquarters.