The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2428

"Are you for real, Balfour? Is today April Fools' Day? Are you just pulling my leg? Where's the hidden camera? Don't mess with me, Balfour. Seriously, don't. I'll take it to heart," Ivy said, clutching Balfour's hand, her rapid-fire questions hitting him hard.

"Silly girl, of course I'm serious," Balfour replied after a moment, and with those words, Ivy's tears, which she had been holding back, finally broke free.

She had cried alone, felt small and insignificant without anyone to share her burden. While Alyssa and Dean believed in her, and she had friends who supported her quietly, she never voiced was her deep need for Balfour's care and belief in her.

She never imagined Balfour would say such things to her, finally acknowledging her pent-up grievances finally.

He said he believed her.

Balfour held Ivy as she cried silently, his mind replaying past events.

"I've never told you this, but back in my school days, Mara's sister and I were kidnapped. The kidnappers initially targeted just me, but Mara's sister got caught up in it. Later, because of that incident, she lost her life, in a way, saving mine. I've always felt so guilty about it! And when I saw Mara lying there motionless, just like her sister had been, those old regrets came flooding back. My thoughts were jumbled, leading me to speak out of turn and be harsh with you. I'm sorry. No matter what, I shouldn't have let my guilt make me blame you," Balfour confessed.

Ivy looked up at him from his embrace. "You hardly ever talk about your past with me."

She didn't dare to guess what Balfour was thinking, but could this mean she was one step closer to being part of his world?

Balfour leaned down to meet Ivy's gaze, tenderly ruffled her hair and asked, "Are you cold?