Elara felt a blush of embarrassment as she admitted, âI did minor in psychology back in college, but at best, I can offer some advice. For a proper diagnosis, you really should seek out a professional therapist. It would be beneficial for both you and your wife.
Especially, I think you need to carve out more time to be with her. You might not realize it, but she always seems more at ease when youâre around.â
So, despite their constant bickering, Ivy was actually more relaxed when he was there?
âBickering can be her way of opening up,â Elara pointed out timely. âShutting people out, thatâs the real concern.â
Had it not been for her previous interactions with Ivy, Elara might have kept her opinions to herself. But she could not bear to see such a vibrant actress reduced to silence and solitude As one of Ivyâs many fans, Elara had let go of the hope of seeing her back on the silver screen, wishing, instead, for her to be healthy and well.
When Ivy first woke up, Elara had joked about getting her to sign autographs for the many fans in the hospital. Seeing her current state, Elaraâs heart ached.
But their sympathy as fans was of little use; this manâs concern was the only thing that might provide Ivy with the companionship she needed.
After hearing Elaraâs words, Balfour stood silently for a moment before softly pushing the door to Ivyâs ward open.
He lingered in the darkness, never having imagined the magnitude of stress Ivy was under. What was she thinking about when left alone?
He had only ever insisted that Ivy not return to the set, never considering that it was an important choice for her, too.
No wonder Ivy wanted to go home, where at least Alyssa and Dean could keep her company. As for him, aside from the nights spent by her side, his days were consumed by work at the office.
Juggling both, it was inevitable that he would be physically and emotionally drained.
Ivy always told him there was no need to keep watch; she was nearly recovered, and the VIP ward had doctors and nurses. But he had no idea she was struggling with loneliness. Ivy was not as strong as she pretended to be.
In her sleep, Ivy began to sob softly. Balfour quickly moved to check on her, cautious not to startle her with a sudden burst of light. Guided by the moonâs glow, he gently patted her, whispering comforts.
âDonât leaveâ¦â
âDonât be scared; Iâm here with you; Iâm always with you.â
Ivy seemed lost in a sea of sorrow, tears escaping the corners of her eyes as she murmured for someone not to leave.
Perhaps it was Balfourâs soothing that helped because, after a while, she quieted down.
He wiped away her tears, his heart twisting at the sight. It was as if Ivyâs heart harbored a silent grief, yet she suppressed it.
Did she not trust him enough? The thought was unavoidable for Balfour.
She would share her burdens with him if she truly trusted him, right?