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?

contact with the opposite sex, so Ivy always maintained a

Giselle had so casually taken his arm, and Balfour hadn’t even

two shared

pursed her lips, feeling an inexplicable tightness

since you’re a friend of Balfour’s, come on up!” Giselle maintained her generous smile and

followed with a quiet

was more private, and Giselle opened one of

Giselle? We’ve been waiting for you to

here too!”

feeling

gents and ladies of fortune, a close-knit circle of

didn’t recognize anyone there, and the topics flew over her head. She didn’t feel like forcing herself to fit in.

down

she noticed him sitting next to Giselle, his gaze softer than his usual icy demeanor.

seeing Balfour and Giselle together made Ivy’s heart sink.