The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2299

“Ms. Lewis, you are a blessed soul, and one day, you’ll find a husband who cherishes you just as much. But good things come to those who wait.”

Mara looped her arm through Alyssa’s, seeking warmth in the connection. “I wonder if I might snag a bit of affection from you, just like Ivy does? The first time I laid eyes on you, I felt this incredible sense of familiarity, like coming home to a freshly baked apple pie. Staying here has only deepened that feeling. You and Dean are just the kindest folks. I feel so close to you both, and I just hope I’m not wearing out my welcome.”

Alyssa, eagerly awaiting Ivy’s return, was in no mood for idle chit-chat. She gently patted Mara’s hand before sliding it off her arm.

“In time, you’ll find someone who’ll dote on you just the same, Ms. Lewis,” she said with a kind but distant tone.

Dean, meanwhile, was the picture of discretion, seemingly absorbed in his own thoughts and oblivious to the ladies’ exchange.

Mara was pushing the boundaries a bit, as far as family ties went. No matter her connection to Balfour, she couldn’t possibly hold a candle to Ivy.

words hung awkwardly in the air, but Mara, undeterred by the subtle rebuff, simply positioned her hand on Alyssa’s

car pulled up to the curb. Alyssa’s attention shifted instantly,

feet, stopped her. “Grandma, stay put! I’ll

first while he handled the luggage. She accepted nonchalantly, having grown accustomed to his attentiveness, and approached

to her than to Mara. She grabbed

firm shake.

are as cold as ice! Weren’t you using the heater in the car?” Alyssa clucked with concern, her hands enveloping Ivy’s in a

Mara in a nonchalant

you feeling completely

Alyssa. “Balfour wanted to turn on the heat, but I was feeling

also knew that once autumn and winter

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