The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1949

It seemed that Balfour was keen on keeping his relationship with Ivy under wraps from Giselle.

“A friend? Like a girlfriend, or just a pal?” Giselle teased with a playful grin.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Balfour declared, “Just a pal.”

Ivy, slightly uncomfortable, pressed her lips together in a tight smile and approached, “Mr. Howard and I have only just met, actually. I heard about this shindig and asked him to show me the ropes. Don’t get it twisted, Giselle.”

Since Balfour didn’t want Giselle in the loop about their connection, Ivy naturally played along with the charade.

Balfour was her boss, and she had already managed to rub him the wrong way earlier; now was the time to make amends.

Giselle didn’t let on whether she bought Ivy’s story or not, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she stepped forward with a smile, linking her arm with Balfour’s. “If she’s your friend, she’s mine too. Oh, I forgot to ask, how should I address this lady?”

“Ivy.” Despite playing Balfour’s wife for an extended period, Ivy had never shown any public displays of affection with Balfour. Yet, here was this leading actress, latching onto his arm as if it was the most natural thing in the world?

wasn’t one for excessive physical contact with the opposite sex, so

Giselle had so casually taken his arm,

shared a special

lips, feeling an inexplicable tightness in her chest.

her generous smile and led the way

a

one of the doors

been, Giselle? We’ve been waiting for you to toast!” the moment they entered, they were

here too!”

trailed behind, feeling like an

of fortune, a close-knit circle of friends who surrounded Giselle and Balfour

didn’t recognize anyone there, and the topics flew over her head. She

a quiet corner to sit down and grabbed a glass

not far away, she noticed him sitting next to Giselle, his gaze softer than his

Balfour and Giselle together made Ivy’s heart