âDo you really think Alyssa wonât see right through that store-bought gift? Sheâll just think I didnât put my heart into it.â
Deep down, Ivy was more than willing to craft something with her own hands to give to Alyssa, but such a gift might seem a bit too âmodestâ for someone of Alyssaâs standing.
To those high society folks, sincerity is ironically the cheapest commodity. Ivy knew she had to present something of tangible value to Alyssa to properly show her respect.
Balfour leaned in and nuzzled Ivyâs cheek, which was as soft as a babyâs skin.
He couldnât resist doing it every time, and though Ivy playfully swatted at his face when she got fed up, her touch was so gentle it barely counted. Regardless, Balfour continued to do as he pleased, leaving Ivy to her solitary fretting.
âIf you start thinking like the rest of those snobs, thatâs when Grandma will truly be heartbroken. Sheâll treasure whatever you give her. If you really want to show her how you feel, then put your own touch on something,â he said.
Their family had climbed the social ladder to this lofty position, and if Ivy couldnât even do what she wanted, then what was the point of all their efforts?
Balfour had always said Ivy shouldnât worry so much. Whatever she chose to give to Alyssa, people would clap and cheer anyway. The line of those looking to curry favor with Ivy could stretch from here to the moon.
Now, as the legitimate granddaughter-in-law of the Howard family, who would dare give her the cold shoulder?
Even if some turned their noses up at Ivyâs gift, theyâd only do so behind closed doors. Those who couldnât help but make snide remarks to her face wouldnât be caught dead at a Howard family gathering.
With Balfourâs reassurances, Ivy sighed and said with a pout, âAlright then, Iâll knit her-a scarf. Itâs been chilly when we go out lately, and she loves her strolls in the garden. A scarf could keep her warm. What do you think?â
To Balfour, nothing could represent Ivyâs sentiments better than her handiwork, but he couldnât help but quip, âI havenât even received a scarf youâve knitted for me.â
Ivy just pinched his lips shut. Their romance hadnât followed the typical path. Most couples would get to know each other, fall in love, and exchange handmade gifts. But Ivy and Balfour had skipped all that.
âIâll knit hers first, and then we can talk about yours,â she said, a mischievous glint in her eye.
But a mere scarf wouldnât suffice. She convinced Balfour to also pick out a stunning ald brooch for her Alyssa could pin tone scart for an added touch of alleganos Bufour was quite pleased in the end, especially since byâs first knitting attempt made with holes and dropped stitches was bestowed upon fum as a practice piece the work t a badge of honor over his suit to the reward Group The engloyees, seeing the CEO sporting such a unique acar didi dare stare. They jus wondered if this was a new high fashion trend chic tattered chic perhaps Though they struggled to grasp the concept the scarf did add a touch of nobility to it Balfours attire, and he wore with striking charm After all he could make even a rag kook dashing By the timely finished the for Alyssa heighteth berthday had arrived emerald brooch for her. Alyssa could pin it on the scarf for an added touch of elegance.
Balfour was quite pleased in the end, especially since Ivyâs first knitting attempt-riddled with holes and dropped stitches-was bestowed upon him as a practice piece. He wore it like a badge of honor over his suit to the Howard Group.
The employees, seeing their CEO sporting such a unique scarf, didnât dare stare. They just wondered if this was a new high-fashion trend-chic tattered chic, perhaps?
Though they struggled to grasp the concept, the scarf did add a touch of nobility to Balfourâs attire, and he wore it with striking charm. After all, he could make even a rag look dashing.
By the time Ivy finished the scarf for Alyssa, her eightieth birthday had arrived.