The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2343

After what felt like moving mountains, Mara finally managed to get Balfour to lie down on the couch. She carefully adjusted his position before cautiously settling into his embrace.

Balfour, half-conscious and pliable, slumped against her shoulder as Mara, beaming sweetly, snapped a selfie of their seemingly intimate moment.

“It’s such a shame you’re out of it,” she whispered as if confiding in a best friend. “If only you were awake to see how perfect we are together. But you’re all tangled up in that siren’s spell, unable to see who you truly want. No worries, though. I’ll stick by you until you realize that I’m the one you’re looking for.”

Snap after snap, Mara captured their closeness, gently leaning in toward Balfour.

“Don’t hold this against me when you sober up, Balfour! You should’ve kicked that Ivy to the curb ages ago. Ever since I returned, I’ve been on a mission to get her out of the picture. Trust me, I’ll take care of that pesky woman for you. Sleep tight, don’t let her haunt your dreams. While you’re pining for her, has she ever spared a thought for you? I’m the one who truly cares!”

settled on the couch, Mara stood up and checked the photos on her phone. A satisfied smile spread across her face at

now,

the door clicking open made Mara nearly drop her

in fear as she saw the figure who should’ve been resting in

Mara’s voice cracked

back in retreat. After a cursory glance to ensure Balfour was decent, she

ground floor, isn’t it? What

faltered. That old lady was always on her guard, wasn’t she? Mara thought she’d gone to bed, but she had been lying in wait all along. Thank goodness she hadn’t walked in while Mara was

Mara explained, holding up the book as if it were a talisman. “I was just reading it here and thought I’d take it back to