Chapter 2662
Ivy looked at Balfour with a hint of skepticism. His previous reluctance must have been rooted in distaste, and she suspected his current willingness to consider it was spurred on by nothing more than a fit of pique.
“Why wouldn’t we go if a magazine wants us for a couples’ cover shoot? I hate those paparazzi snapping shots without permission, but this is different. It’s legit. You don’t have anything to argue about, do you?” Balfour pinched Ivy’s cheek slightly and planted a kiss on her lips that left her face puckered up in surprise.
“What am I arguing about?”
“You know what you’re doing.”
“Ugh, fine. If you really want to do the shoot, I’ll have Evadne set it up. But you’ll screen the offers appropriately, right? You wouldn’t want to tarnish your CEO reputation, would you? Will you pick me up tonight?”
Balfour turned away with a haughty half-spin, “You think I’m just at your beck and call? I have my own work, you know. I might even have to work late tonight. I’m not as free and easy as you seem to think!”
“Mm-hmm, I know, Mr. CEO is always so busy. So I’m begging you, please, may I reserve your time in advance to pick me up tonight? I don’t want Evadne to have to drive me back alone. A woman driving by herself at night is not always safe.”
Balfour’s brow furrowed involuntarily, “So after all that, you’re asking me to pick you up because you’re worried about Evadne’s safety?”
Ivy laughed, “You’re getting more jealous by the day. Sure, that’s part of it. But the main thing is, I want to see you. You know the saying, ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder.’ Today’s roadshow is such a big event, and I’d be so relieved to see you right after it ends.” Ivy looked earnestly into Balfour’s eyes. Balfour felt a swell of warmth, like a heart-shaped bubble popping within him, though he managed to keep his expression neutral.
Eventually, he conceded with a nod of his head, “Don’t drink too much or you’ll have a hangover tomorrow, got it?”
Ivy promised obediently, nestling happily into Balfour’s embrace, feeling utterly content as if time itself could pause at this moment.
Such happiness was something she’d never dared to dream of before Balfour came into her life. Even when she fell for him, she had kept her feelings hidden away in her heart.
She never believed someone like her could have a chance with a man like him, let alone walking hand in hand into the future.
But after all the hardships, destiny had gifted her a sweet reward. Fate had granted her the chance to walk through life with Balfour.
How could she not be thankful?
Despite the roller coaster of events, the fact that they could be together was enough to fill Ivy with gratitude.
Every morning, she’d woke up in awe that this was her life, that she could have such a wonderful existence. She couldn’t help but feel blessed.
“Balfour, I love you so much.” Ivy couldn’t resist saying, and Balfour responded with a kiss on her forehead. “I love you too. Now go on, don’t keep them waiting. I’ll be there to pick you up tonight.”
