Chapter 2029
“The driver? What about you?” Ivy eyed him curiously as he seemed to have no intention of leaving. “You’re not seriously considering taking the bus with me, are you?”
Balfour turned to her with a nod, “Is that a problem?”
“It’s not that,” Ivy said, scanning their surroundings before leaning in to whisper, “You’re Balfour Howard, for crying out loud. Taking the bus doesn’t exactly fit the image, does it?”
He squinted at her as she spoke in hushed tones. “Is there a sign on the bus saying people like me can’t ride it?”
“Of course not,” Ivy straightened up, dropping the subject of his uncharacteristic transportation choice.
Deep down, Ivy felt a surge of happiness. His being there meant, at least, he was not as preoccupied with Giselle as she had feared.
After a fifteen-minute wait, the bus arrived, and they boarded.
To Ivy’s surprise, the bus was packed at this hour, and they were practically squeezed on board.
Cornered against the window, Ivy glanced at Balfour beside her.
Gone was his composed demeanor, replaced with a frown deeply etched across his forehead.
Ivy looked down, barely containing her laughter, and teased him in a low voice, “Bet you never knew us common folk had it so rough on public transport, huh, Balfour?”
This was Balfour’s maiden voyage on a public bus, and he had not anticipated the crush of bodies, leaving him no room to even plant his feet.
“Oops,” Ivy stumbled as someone pushed her from behind, falling into Balfour’s arms.
Her cheeks flushed as she tried to stand, only to be pushed again, trapped against him, “I’m… I’m so sorry about this.”
Instead of embarrassment, a faint smile played on Balfour’s lips.
He steadied her with his hands, suddenly finding the crowded space not as unbearable.
Leaning against his chest, Ivy could hear his steady heartbeat, and her cheeks grew even warmer.
Trying to cool her blushing face, Ivy attempted to stand on her own, but it was as if the bus had a vendetta ágainst her. Every time she tried to pull away, another shove kept her in Balfour’s embrace. His hands remained gently on her shoulders throughout the ride.
Having leaned on him for the entire journey, Ivy felt her irritation over Giselle dissipate when they reached their stop.
Balfour’s upscale neighborhood was not on the bus route, so despite choosing the closest stop, there was still a walk ahead.
They walked side by side, enveloped in an awkward silence.
Not talking felt uncomfortable, but Ivy did not know what to say.
“You seemed upset today.” Balfour finally broke the silence.
Caught off guard, Ivy’s expression faltered, but she shook her head instead of revealing her thoughts. “No, I’m not. I signed a contract and found a job. I’m actually quite happy.”
“I’m not talking about that.” Balfour stopped, fixing her with a calm gaze. mean about lunch when Giselle showed up. Ivy, if something’s bothering you, you can tell me.”
Ivy paused alongside him, meeting his steady look. “And if I said it did bother me, what would you do about it?”
