The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2417

"I wanted to smear Ivy's name; she deserves it! If it weren't for her, I'd be the one by your side. I should be the real Mrs. Howard!"

Even Balfour, usually slow on the uptake, could tell she was referring to the incident in the restroom last time.

She had so adamantly accused Ivy of pushing her, and now here she was, admitting it had all been her own scheme.

Though somewhat shocked internally, Balfour didn’t let it show. Instead, he became even more composed. But his other hand sneaked inside his jacket, fingers brushing against his cell phone.

"Oh, so it was you all along. Weren't you so sure before that it was Ivy who pushed you?"

Balfour let out a wry chuckle, which appeared to be laced with irony.

Mara, frowning, gave a dazed and foolish smile.

"Yeah, how can I not blame that woman? She stole you from me, playing the damsel in distress with her twisted ankle! Why her? Her looks, her background – they're nothing compared to mine. Why does she get to be the woman at your side? She doesn't deserve it!"

The smile vanished from Balfour's face. "I never cared about those things. I'm with her because I like her. I'm not with you because there's no spark between us. I've only ever seen you as a sister, and you should've understood that long ago."

Mara knew that Balfour's feelings for her had faded. She wasn't sure if it was because she wasn't 'the one.' But when those words truly came from Balfour's lips, the pain was unbearable.

Her head throbbed, and the recently bandaged wound flared with sharp pain.

"Ah! Balfour, you're lying; you definitely like me, I know you do! Is it because your grandmother doesn't approve of me? Is that why you're saying this? I know you've always loved me. Otherwise, why would you fly over to see me again and again? You must be worried about me."