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 shoulder, feigning an intimacy

the curb. Alyssa’s attention shifted instantly, her face brightening as she moved to greet

stopped her. “Grandma, stay put! I’ll grab the stuff from

her things, Balfour suggested she greet Alyssa first while he handled the luggage. She accepted nonchalantly, having grown accustomed to his attentiveness, and

to her than to Mara. She grabbed Ivy’s hands and gave them a

firm shake.

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

Ivy greeted Mara in a nonchalant manner. “Ms. Lewis.”

dear, are you feeling

nodded, then turned back to Alyssa. “Balfour wanted to turn on the heat, but I was feeling

autumn and winter arrived, Ivy’s hands

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