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.”

leaning against the couch and

makeup and collapse into bed for some much-needed

even with him

crutches? Don’t you know I’m here to

back,

with the crutches, so why would I need your help? Mr. Howard, are you kidding me? I asked you before I 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 trinket. I’m not a

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

averted his gaze; suddenly, he couldn’t bear to

like that. I just meant that since I’m here, you could ask for my help.”

You’ll leave

for herself, since she was little.

it was the way she was raised, her family instilling that fierce independence in

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