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?

physical contact with the opposite sex, so Ivy always maintained a respectful

his arm,

these two shared

lips, feeling an inexplicable tightness in her chest.

since you’re a friend of Balfour’s, come on up!” Giselle maintained her generous smile and led the way upstairs with Balfour in tow.

followed with a quiet

Giselle opened one

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

here too!”

feeling like an

gents and ladies of fortune, a close-knit circle

and the topics flew over her head. She didn’t

down and grabbed

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