Chapter 2004
Ivy lifted her gaze to Balfour, her eyes brimming with curiosity.
Balfour, sitting a short distance away, caught her gaze and nonchalantly nodded in
acknowledgment.
To her surprise, it was actually happening.
Balfour was genuinely going to take her to a movie.
"Alright, let's eat quickly, and the movie starts soon,â Alyssa announced, standing up and pulling Ivy
toward the dining room.
The staff had already prepared tonight's meal, and Alyssa led Ivy to the table, serving her some
food.
Ivy was filled with wonder. After they finished, Balfour, holding his car keys, gestured for her to head
out.
Despite still feeling a bit odd about it all, Ivy followed Balfour to the car under the joyful gazes of
Dean and Alyssa.
âBalfour, are you really taking me to the movies?â Ivy couldn't help but ask as they got into the car.
Balfour started driving, not turning to look at her as he replied, âWhat? Don't you want to go?â
âIt's not that,â Ivy muttered, looking down. She did want to see a movie, but it felt strange to be
going with him.
They rode in silence; Ivy didn't initiate conversation and instead turned to gaze out the window,
watching the landscape change.
It had been ages since she last saw a movie. Before, she had felt it was too expensive and sparingly
indulged, only going a few times with classmates during college.
After graduation, Tessa started controlling her life, and without freedom or enough money, she
stopped going to the cinema.
Arriving at the cinema, Balfour collected the tickets and glanced at the movie title, âOf all the
movies.â
Ivy, hearing his comment, realized that perhaps this wasn't his choice of film, and moved closer to
take a look.
"Who picked this movie?â she inquired.
Balfour turned to her, almost bumping foreheads, âGrandma did.â
That was when Ivy fully understood.
The movie outing wasn't Balfour's idea, but Alyssaâs insistence.
Without Alyssa, Balfour likely wouldn't have thought to take her to the movies.
Yet, Ivy wasn't hurt. She wasn't Balfour's real wife, and he wasn't obligated to spend much effort on
her.
But Alyssa had arranged this movie night, and Balfour, not refusing, had actually taken the time to
accompany her. That alone made Ivy happy.
âFancy a milkshake?â Ivy suggested with a smile, pointing to a nearby milkshake bar, âSince you
treated me to a movie, and let me buy you a milkshake.â Balfour wasn't usually one for such drinks,
but seeing her hopeful expression, he didnât decline.
"Got a preference? If not, I'll just pick my favorite,â Ivy asked before darting off to the milkshake bar.
She returned with two cups, handing one to Balfour, âI've had shakes from here before, and they're
pretty good. Give it a try.â
Balfour took a sip, and it was surprisingly decent.
With twenty minutes to go before the movie started, they sat in the cinema lobby, a touch
awkward.
Ivy wanted to say something to Balfour multiple times but couldn't find the right words, so she
chose to stay silent instead.