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 that wasn’t quite

then, Balfour’s car pulled up to the curb. Alyssa’s attention shifted instantly, her face brightening as she moved to greet him.

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

she greet Alyssa first while he handled the luggage.

to her than to Mara.

firm shake.

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

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

are you feeling completely recovered?” Mara

on the heat, but I was feeling too warm, so I asked him

once autumn and winter arrived, Ivy’s hands and

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