The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2481

As Ivy approached the ward where Tessa lay, her pace involuntarily slowed, and Balfour matched his steps with hers.

“What if I can’t handle seeing her like this?” Ivy murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

She lowered her gaze, her hand gripping Balfour’s as if to draw strength from his reassuring touch.

“Don’t worry, I’m right here with you,” he said softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

With a deep breath, Ivy steeled herself. She had made up her mind to come first thing the morning. They had reached the very door of Tessa’s room. How could she think of turning back now?

No matter Tessa’s condition, she owed it to her to be there.

After all, Tessa had given her life, and now it was Ivy’s turn to care for her. How could she abandon Tessa in her time of need?

duty as a daughter this one last

on the ward door.

blinked towards the door, alone in her room,

“Cough, cough…”

glance with Balfour. “Is there

hunch that Tessa was without company. “Just push the door open,”

worst, the sight of Tessa, able to only move her head with no one by her side, still sent a wave of sorrow through her.

state back when she

Ivy said, her voice catching as she took a breath and moved closer to Tessa.

closed the door behind them with consideration, choosing not to follow

Ivy needed a private moment with her mother, and he sat quietly in the

not daring to lift

had never been kind to her, yet Ivy had always longed for a mother’s