She had decided that once the film wrapped up, she would take a break before diving into another role.
This time was, of course, meant to be spent cherishing moments with Alyssa and Dean, who were getting on in years.
Alyssa was elated by the attention. âMy dear, even if you were to twirl around me every day, I would never tire of it. How could I not be happy with such a sweet grandchild?â
Dean was in high spirits, too, and Ivyâs eyes welled up with tears when she saw the dining table laden with all her favorite foods.
âThis morning, Balfour mentioned youâd be coming home, so I made sure Althea prepared all your favorites. You havenât had these in a while, have you?
Look at this sweet and sour pork! I personally went with the chef to pick out the freshest cuts. Youâre gonna love it!â
Alyssa continued to describe the dishes, and Ivy couldnât help but wonder how long the two old folks had been planning this meal.
She felt a twinge of regret. If she had come back unexpectedly, they wouldnât have had to go through all this trouble.
Now, they had put in so much effort just for a family dinner, and she would be leaving again in the morning.
It just didnât seem worth it.
Balfour, sensing Ivyâs thoughts, gently patted her back.
âLetting them know ahead of time was meant to bring them joy earlier. A surprise visit wouldnât be as happy as anticipating your arrival, donât you think?â
Hearing Balfourâs words, Ivy stopped dwelling on her guilt and nodded.
âYeah, Iâll make sure to come back more often.
Taking a deep breath, Ivy didnât want to spoil Alyssa and Deanâs mood.
She eagerly took her seat at the dinner table, and Alyssa kept piling food onto her plate, but Ivy ate it all with grace. After all, nothing beat Alyssaâs cooking.
âHome-cooked meals really are the best!â
After dessert, Ivy leaned back, patting her belly, eliciting a beaming smile from Alyssa.
âIf you enjoy it, then come back more often. Preparing this was no trouble at all with Altheaâs help.â
Ivy smiled, âWe definitely will.â
She had planned to chat with Alyssa and Dean after dinner, but soon after settling on the couch, she couldnât fight off the sleepiness.
Balfour gently tilted her chin, allowing her to rest more comfortably on his shoulder, before quietly explaining to Alyssa.
âSheâs been worn out. The productionâs been wrapping up, waking up at four or five in the morning, and working till around eleven or twelve at night. We came because todayâs scenes finished early, and I wanted to bring her to see you.â
Hearing this, Alyssa and Dean immediately felt for Ivy, urging Balfour to take her to bed.
âDonât let her asleep here on the couch; she might catch a cold. Besides, sheâll be done with work soon, then you guys can come back and spend more time with us.â
No sooner had Balfour laid Ivy down on the bed than her eyes fluttered open, and she asked groggily, âWhere are Grandma and Grandpa?â
âJust continue sleeping,â Balfour soothed, stroking her cheek. âIâll go down and spend some time with them.â
âBut how can I?â she protested weakly. âIâve hardly had the chance to talk to Grandma.â
Her words trailed off as she slipped back into a deep sleep.
Balfour watched her, contented, and kissed her forehead gently.
All the pursuits he had chased before paled in comparison to this simple moment of peace. As long as she was by his side, he was satisfied.
Descending the stairs, Balfour found only Alyssa sitting on the sofa sipping her coffee.
Dean had wandered off somewhere.