Chapter 2007


    Chapter 2007


    Staring at her empty hands, Giselle’s face shed a moment of embarrassment, but she quickly


    summoned a smile, “Looks like I dropped the ball there. Sorry, Balfour, I’ll make sure toe up with a


    better n for your next birthday.”


    Giselle reached out once more, looping her arm through his, “Come on, don’t be mad at me, alright?


    Today’s your special day, and.. it’s all about having a good time.”


    Balfour sighed, a wry smile on his face, “I’m not mad.”


    “That’s a relief,” Giselle beamed, her grin bright as the sun, “I’ve booked us a private room at the


    clubhouse next door. Let’s all head over for some drinks to celebrate. And about this cake, I know


    sweets aren’t your thing, but I put a lot of effort into picking it out. You’ve got to at least try a slice.”


    It was impossible to say no to Giselle when she was like this. Balfour nced at Ivy, who stood quietly


    to the side, and gave a


    small nod.


    “I knew you’d agree.” Giselle chirped, delighted, standing close to Balfour, “Let’s go and have a st.


    No holding back tonight. Everyone, we’re here to party.”


    Cheers erupted as the group started moving towards the clubhouse, with Balfour and Giselle leading


    the way.


    Ivy felt herself getting pushed further and further from Balfour as the crowd surged forward.


    She wasn’t interested in celebrating with Giselle and a bunch of strangers, but after hesitating for a


    moment, she followed.


    If it weren’t for Giselle’s initiative, Ivy wouldn’t have had a clue that today was Balfour’s birthday. No


    wonder Alyssa had bought movie tickets out of the blue, trying to get them to spend the evening


    together, and it was all for Balfour’s birthday.


    She had always thought that Balfour wasn’t doing what a husband should do, but now it seemed she


    wasn’t doing what a wife should either, even if it was just a marriage of convenience.


    Ivy was not even knowing her own husband, Balfour’s birthday, while Giselle remembered and had


    prepared a cake, gifts, and a


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    party.


    Ivy trailed behind the group, and Balfour looked back at her through the crowd.


    Meeting his gaze, Ivy forced a reassuring smile, wanting to put him at ease.


    Once they reached the clubhouse, the party kicked into full gear. As the birthday boy, Balfour naturally


    became the center of


    attention.


    “Mr. Howard,” the crowd began, presenting him with a gift, “we’ve all picked this out with care, hoping


    you’d like it.” Balfour thanked them quietly and set the gift aside..


    Ivy found a quiet corner to sit in, trying to stay under the radar.


    She didn’t know it was Balfour’s birthday and obviously hadn’t brought a gift. It would be mortifying to


    be the only one


    empty-handed when everyone else had brought something.


    “Ivy,” Giselle approached with two drinks in hand, offering one to Ivy, “why are you sitting all alone


    here? Come join the rest of us for a toast.”


    Taking the drink, Ivy felt awkward, “I don’t really know anyone, and. I didn’t want to dampen the mood.”


    “Everyone here is a friend of mine and Balfour’s, and that makes you a friend as well,” Giselle assured


    her, with a hostess’ grace


    that made it seem like she was Balfour’s wife.


    At that thought, a bitter taste lingered in Ivy’s mouth, but she didn’t let it show, “Thanks, Giselle. Don’t


    worry about me, and go enjoy the party.”


    All she wanted was to avoid drawing attention and to sit quietly until the end.


    Giselle’s smile held a hint of sarcasm as she replied, “Alright then, Ivy, make yourself at home. Don’t


    feel constrained on our


    ount.”


    Once Giselle left, Ivy exhaled deeply, sinking back into her corner to wait out the rest of the evening.