Chapter 1976
Ivy's attitude towards Balfour now was a stark contrast to the disinterested figure who'd stood by
the door earlier.
Balfour gazed at her with probing eyes, wondering what happened to her.
Catching his look, Ivy felt a twinge of nervousness, âWhat's wrong, honey? You don't like the dish?â
âI love it.â Balfour replied, spearing a forkful from his plate and taking a mouthful.
The show must go on in front of his grandparents.
Throughout the meal, Ivy played the part of the doting wife, constantly serving Balfour's plate with
zeal
Regardless of what she picked, he accepted it without complaint, even though there were. a few
dishes he wasn't fond of.
At first, Alyssa suspected they might be having a spat, but seeing them interact so pleasantly eased
her worries.
After dinner, Ivy excused herself and retreated to her room. The act was exhausting and far too
sappy for her taste. She almost made herself sick!
Fresh from her bath, Ivy saw Balfour coming in.
After drying her hair, she sat down on the edge of the bed. Her voice was light and detached,
âGrandma and grandpa haven't gone to their room yet. You should probably head back to the guest
room later.â
Balfour wasn't home often. And even when he was, he usually slept in the guest room. They hardly
spent any time together in the same space.
He simply replied with a âSure,â and headed for the shower.
When he came out, Ivy was on the balcony with a glass of milk placed on the small table in front of
her.
Balfour watched her lonely figure for a moment before sitting down beside her. âWhat was going
on with you today?â
Even though Ivy had maintained her role as the perfect wife in front of his grandparents, Balfour
could sense something strange.
vy took a sip of her milk, ignoring him. His presence seemed to push her away. She stood up and
headed back inside.
His displeasure grew with her silence, and he followed her into the room.
No sooner had Ivy placed her milk on the nightstand than Balfour pinned her down onto the bed!
Before she could react, he was on top of her rendering her immobile. âWhat's wrong with you? Why
are you ignoring me?â
âLet... let me go!â Ivy struggled in vain. The disparity in their strength was too great.
With Balfour so close, every inch of her skin he touched seemed to burn. Ivy's heart raced
uncontrollably.
"Answer me. Why are you giving me the cold shoulder?â
dawau
She turned her refusing to meet his gaze. âI haven't. Can't I just not want to talk?â
âWhat's the matter? Why don't you want to talk?â
âThere's no reason! And why are you here, Mr. Howard? I thought you'd be spending the evening
with some beauty!"
Her sarcastic tone was unmistakable, clearly in a foul mood.
Balfour paused and studied her for a moment. âSo... Are you jealous?â
âI am not!â Ivy retorted disdainfully, furrowing her brow and glaring at him. âI just find it funny that
someone who warned me to keep my distance from other men is himself the subject of gossip with
other women!â