Balfour had gone to M State, probably to see that girlâ¦
After all these years, he still cared deeply for her.
Watching Ivy, who had to ask him whether his husbandâs trip abroad was for business or personal reasons, Nolan could not help but heave a deep sigh.
âBalfourâs trip this time is likely to meet an old friend.â
âMara, right? Nolan, you know Mara and that heâs gone because of her, am I correct?â
Ivyâs voice was soft, barely a whisper, as if a stronger breeze might carry her away.
âSo, you know about Mara too! Yes, Iâm guessing thatâs why Balfour went overseas, but donât worry.
Theyâre just friends. If anything were meant to happen between them, it would have happened years ago.â
Nolanâs attempt at consolation did little to soften the blow of this revelation.
lyy was truly disheartened.
In this world, there really was a girl who, with just one phone call, could send Balfour across oceans and mountains for her.
During their last fierce argument, Balfour had left without a backward glance.
Seeing Ivy like this, Nolan was torn, regretting that he had told herâ¦
âNolan, what kind of girl is this Mara?â
Ivy asked, her curiosity piqued.
The brief phone call she had with Mara had revealed a woman both gentle and sly.
At this moment, she wanted to know what kind of woman Balfour cherished so deeply.
The truth was, the details of Balfour and Maraâs relationship were unclear to those on the outside; they only knew that Mara was very important to Balfour.
Nolan said, âI havenât met Mara many times; just know that Balfour has known her for years; theyâre close friends.â
Ivy nodded, understanding.
âLetâs not dwell on this anymore. Thanks for the milkshake, Nolan.â
After the emotional roller coaster of her scenes, Ivy was drained. The calories from the milkshake were the least of her worries now.
âIf you like it, I can bring you another one sometime.â
Despite her hesitation, Ivy declined Nolanâs offer.
âItâs too much, really. How much do I owe you for the milkshake?â
Ivy asked tentatively, noticing the change in Nolanâs expression.
âIvy, are you trying to keep things clear with me? Itâs just a round of drinks and snacks for the crew. I can handle the cost.â
Ivy waved. âNo, Nolan, I did not mean it like that. I just feel bad for you spending again and again.
Besides, if we keep things clear between us, there wonât be any misunderstandings, right?â
Ever since she had been burned before, Ivy was careful to maintain a distance from any man who got close.
She was wary of being talked about or seeming presumptuous, but she would rather face the gossip than Balfourâs misunderstanding. She had resolved to stop longing for him. Nonetheless, she hoped he would not misread her intentions.
She did not leave Balfour for someone else-that had never been the case.
The power had never been in Ivyâs hands in their relationship.
Hearing her out, Nolan finally nodded in agreement.