The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2353

Yeah, Ivy’s exhaustion was her own doing, really. If she hadn’t gone for the acting gig, she could’ve snagged a cushier job, no doubt.

But why was she so beat? Wasn’t it because of Balfour, that she barely got a wink of sleep last night?

And the real culprit had the nerve to critique her life choices?

Ivy felt more than just tired; she felt drained. Being in debt to this man, she was anything but free.

If she had it her way, there would be no debt between them, nothing owed. Then she could declare her feelings openly, without any hesitation.

Instead, she was all kinds of cautious, second-guessing every move.

“So, this is what you really think, huh? That this mess is on me. I had it coming, right? Then do me a favor and keep your distance. Mr. Howard, I’m just a small-time actress, not worth your time or energy. I don’t want to argue anymore.”

against the

wanted to wash off her stage makeup and collapse into bed for some much-needed

him

insist on those crutches? Don’t you know I’m

turned back, surprised.

left home if you could be by my side all the time, and you said no. So why expect me to lean on you now? I’m a person, not some

a hint of laughter in her voice, as if she found the whole idea

he couldn’t bear to look her in the

just meant that since I’m here, you could ask for my

was flat, “There’s no need. You’ll leave one day anyway. I’m used

herself, since she was little.

her family instilling that fierce independence

one can rely on someone else forever, a lesson her parents had drummed into her.