Ivy clutched at her heart, realizing that these thoughts were becoming increasingly dangerous.
âHow could someone like me, who grew up in such a messy household, ever be worthy of you?
Besides, youâve only ever seen me as an actress from the beginning to the endâ¦â
With a bitter smile, Ivy added, âHow can I ever fall for anyone else after meeting someone like you?
Youâre really cruel, you know!â
Then, as if making a bold decision, she stuck out her tongue playfully, âSorry, actually, itâs not your fault.
I shouldnât have been so presumptuous. From now on, Iâll face reality. Iâll work hard to draw a clear line between us, so I wonât make things difficult for you.â
Ivy knew all too well that the only way forward was for her to let go of feelings she wrongly held for Balfour.
If she continued to harbor such feelings, their story was doomed to a bitter end.
The mere thought of parting ways with Balfour made Ivyâs heart wrench with pain. Maybe it was time to let go of the impossible.
With her mind made up, Ivy got up and grabbed a throw blanket to lie down on the couch.
But knowing what to do and actually doing it are two different things. Ivy tossed and turned on the couch. Her eyes shut tight, yet sleep eluded her. Her heart was telling her how much she didnât want to let go.
âHe doesnât like you, and youâre not good enough for him. Arenât these reasons enough for me to give up?â she told herself, trying to quiet the stirrings of her heart.
It was almost dawn when she finally fell asleep.
eager The next morning, Ivy woke to find the texture beneath her was all wrong. Somehow, sheâd ended up in bed, even though she was certain sheâd fallen asleep on the couch.
And Balfour, who had been in bed before, was nowhere to be found.
Sighing deeply, Ivy got up and went downstairs.
Alyssa and her husband were already seated at the dining table, and upon seeing Ivy, she called out with a cheerful tone.
After yesterdayâs encounter with the coupleâs intimate scene and the late wake-up of Ivy today, Grandmaâs smile grew even more pronounced.
Aware that Balfour wanted their grandmother to misunderstand, Ivy didnât bother to explain.
âGood morning, Grandma and Grandpa!â
âGood morning, Ivy! Come join us for some pastries. Donât be like that boy Balfour, who I had to force to drink a glass of milk before he left. Drinking Americano first thing in the morning? Can his stomach even handle it?â
Feeling the grandmaâs care for Balfour, Ivy couldnât help but smile.
âDrinking Americano is for staying alert. Iâve already prepared some snacks for him at the office. Heâll eat if he gets hungry.â
Dean and Alyssa nodded, âYou young people really understand each other better. He always complains that having breakfast at home takes too much time.â
âI really donât know how he manages as a CEO, not even having the time to sit down for a meal at home.â The grandmother pursed her lips in dissatisfaction, but she didnât stop serving Ivy a box of meatloaf.
âLast time I saw you liked it, so today, since youâre home, I had the maid make some more. The meat is air-flown in, juicy and full of flavor. Try some.â
Ivy smiled gratefully. No matter what, the old couple truly cared for her.
She just hoped that when Balfour found his true love, she could exit their relationship peacefully.