Chapter 2024
As Ivy met Balfour’s unwavering gaze, a seed of belief began to sprout in her mind after what felt like the hundredth explanation from him. Maybe he truly was here for her.
With that realization, the frustration that had been suffocating her heart dissipated, replaced by a flurry of shyness.
She started to sense that their relationship was not quite what it used to be.
“Ready to chat now?” Balfour leaned in slightly, a crooked smile on his lips. “Missed lunch, didn’t you?”
Ivy had not felt hungry until he mentioned it, but suddenly, her stomach echoed with emptiness. She nodded. “Yeah, I could eat.”
Balfour glanced at his watch. “It’s way past noon. I skipped lunch, too. How about we grab something before going home?”
“Sounds good to me.” Ivy fought to keep her grin at bay, turning away before letting her smile burst forth, her cheeks blooming with color.
Looking down at the contract in her hands, it seemed to have taken on a sweeter significance. Without it, she might never have known to what lengths Balfour would go for her.
Whipping out his phone, Balfour called his driver, instructing him to swing by and take them to a lunch.
The driver was the epitome of professionalism, swiftly getting the car and chauffeuring them to the lunch.
“This place looks pricey, doesn’t it?” Ivy could not help but remark as they approached the upscale establishment.
Balfour was a regular at this joint, owned by a friend who never charged him a dime. He had not really considered the actual cost – it was never a concern for him.
“As long as it’s delicious, it’s worth it,” Balfour responded casually, taking her hand and leading her inside.
Before Ivy could protest, she found herself being ushered in, “Hey, Balfour…”
She gazed down at their intertwined hands, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts, especially considering his support earlier that day.
Settling into his usual private booth, Balfour was about to order his favorites when he remembered Ivy’s presence and handed her the menu. “What would you like?”
It was not their first meal together, but before, Balfour had always ordered to his liking without consulting her.
But this time, he was offering her the choice.
Without a fuss, Ivy accepted the menu and picked a few favorites. “That’s it for me.”
Taking the menu back, Balfour added a few of his usual dishes and handed it to the waiter.
“Colton has agreed to look out for you during the shoot. And if you decide to keep at it in showbiz, he’ll find a way to help you out,” Balfour said, broaching the day’s events after ordering.
Ivy had not expected him to have planned so far ahead, not just for the current film project but for her entire future in the entertainment industry.
