Chapter 2006
“I think I’ll just wait out here,” Ivy murmured with a slight twist of her eyes, her expression laced with hesitation, “It might be awkward if I go in. Why don’t you head in, and I’ll just hang back here?”
Balfour’s gaze deepened with resolve as he insisted that Ivy get out of the car and accompany him inside.
Giselle had called earlier to say there was a prop malfunction during the shoot that resulted in her getting hurt. She wanted Balfour to come over and check on her.
Being a man of principle and loyalty to his friends, Balfour felt obliged to visit.
If Ivy stayed outside now, she might overthink things and worry. It seemed better to have her witness everything firsthand, obviating the need for explanations.
“Balfour…” Ivy trailed behind him reluctantly, her anxiety building with each step.
The mere thought of encountering an intimate scene between Giselle and Balfour sent a wave of discomfort through her.
Still, Balfour tugged her along into the studio.
It was only upon entering that they realized the place was deserted, eerily quiet.
Why wasn’t there a soul in sight?
If there had truly been an accident with the props, how could the set be so silent?
Balfour scanned the area, a flicker of confusion in his eyes, and led Ivy to Giselle’s dressing room.
“Happy Birthday!”
As they pushed open the door and walked in, a cascade of confetti showered down on them, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
Balfour’s brow furrowed as he looked around at a crowd of people holding confetti cannons, their faces beaming with joyous wishes. “Balfour!” Giselle, adorned in a pink petal dress, with her curly hair cascading over her shoulders, looked every bit the princess.
She approached Balfour with a cake in hand, “Happy Birthday, Balfour!”
1 thought you were injured?” Balfour’s tone was icy as he regarded her.
Giselle couldn’t find the expected warmth in his eyes, which left her momentarily embarrassed, but she quickly regained her composure, “I just wanted to surprise you. Look, I ordered this cake just for you, and here’s a gift I picked out.
She smiled, showcasing the cake, “I even drew the boy on the cake myself!”
At that moment, Ivy peered out from behind Balfour, eyeing the cake with its charming depiction of a boy that bore a striking resemblance to Balfour. “Let’s all sing Happy Birthday for you.”
With Giselle’s cue, everyone began to sing the familiar tune, “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Balfour, happy birthday to
you…
After the song, Giselle placed the cake aside and looped her arm through Balfour’s, “Are you happy, Balfour? Did you like the surprise?”
Balfour stared at Giselle before him, her smile pristine, and suddenly felt a sense of alienation.
“Giselle, I appreciate the birthday surprise you’ve prepared, but please don’t play these kinds of pranks again.” Balfour withdrew his hand from hers, creating a palpable distance between them.
