The Kiss that Sparked it All

Olivia nodded somberly, the weight of her words as heavy as the air in the room. “I know I don’t have enough proof right now, but I’ve lived with her for years. Sooner or later, she’ll slip up; she’ll leave a trail.”

Balfour found the whole thing absurd. To commit fratricide for what she deemed love was beyond his comprehension! Yet as Olivia laid out the evidence before him, those peculiar details from the past began to resurface in his mind.

“That’s why I need to tell you, Balfour, she’s dangerous, incredibly so. Ivy’s kidnapping had to be her doing. I even suspect that Alyssa’s fall down the stairs wasn’t an accident at all!”

Balfour closed his eyes briefly.

From the moment Olivia decided to lay it all out, she knew where her loyalties lay. Choosing between Balfour and Mara was a no-brainer for anyone with half a brain.

After making arrangements, Balfour left the house in a rush, quickly getting into his car and driving back to the hospital. He couldn’t stop worrying about Ivy. If Mara was as vengeful as Olivia described, he was certain she would come back to finish what she started.

He couldn’t fathom what he had done to remembered any connection between them, besides Victoria. To think he had been friends with a murderer for so long, Balfour could not forgive himself.

1th carn Mara’s twisted affection. He barely

Upon arriving at the hospital, before he could even enter Ivy’s room, he heard the good news that Alyssa had awakened!

His heart lifted at the sight of two guards stationed by Ivy’s room, a sign that she was safe.

Now, his priority was to find evidence against Mara, to bring her to justice and make her face the consequences of her actions.

Alyssa was frail but managed a pale smile when she saw Balfour rush to her side, reassuring him with her eyes.

Dean, usually so composed, couldn’t help but tear up as he clutched her hands beside the bed, as if fearing he’d lose her if he let go.

“Balfour’s here, honey,” he choked out.

“Grandma!” Balfour knelt on one knee by her bed.

Alyssa stroked his head with her weathered hands. “Oh dear, such a big man and still so sentimental. I’m alright, aren’t I? I know these past days have been hard on you. How’s Ivy? I heard there was a bit of a mishap.”

Dean had refrained from telling her everything, fearing it would be too much for her just after waking up, merely mentioning that Ivy had a small accident.

Balfour, understanding Dean’s concerns, managed a smile. “Don’t worry, she’s going to be fine. Grandma, I wanted to ask about the day you fell. Did you suspect-”

“You’ve figured it out, haven’t you?”

Balfour nodded. “I only learned today of some truly terrible things. I’ve been blind, Grandma, befriending a wolf in sheep’s clothing for years. But don’t worry, I won’t let this go lightly. She will pay for what she’s done!”

Alyssa, seeing Balfour’s anger, sensed there was more to the story. She wanted to press further, but her energy was failing her after just waking up. Noticing her fatigue, Balfour stood to leave, assuring her that Dean would take care of her. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Grandpa, you take good care of Grandma. Leave the rest to me.”

Dean nodded, waving Balfour off with a gesture that said, ‘Go, I’ve got this.’