The Kiss that Sparked it All

Ivy felt like a rag doll, her legs weak and her body slumped. Seeing her in such a state, Balfour effortlessly scooped her up in his arms.

Under normal circumstances, her pride would have been bruised being carried like this in front of colleagues. But now, limp as an overcooked noodle, she was powerless to resist. The embarrassment of her outburst left her wishing she could just bury her face in Balfour’s chest.

From the back, no one could tell that Balfour was carrying Ivy as his steps were steady and solid, as if he feared even the slightest jostle might disturb her.

Balfour’s embrace was warm.

Comforted by his presence, Ivy drifted off to sleep. When she awoke, they were already. sitting in his car. She mumbled his name groggily, and he promptly turned on the light and asked, “Thirsty? Need some water?”

At her nod, he brought a bottle to her lips..

“Where are we? Wasn’t I at the wrap party just before?”

Ivy’s eyes darted about, and Balfour could tell she was trying to sidestep the awkwardness of the evening. He played along, “We’re still in the parking lot. You fell asleep, so I didn’t drive off. Figured you’d wake up soon enough, and sure enough, here you are.

Now that you’re up, we could actually head back to the party if you want. They’re probably still there. Weren’t you the one who wanted to drink them all under the table?”

But Ivy shook her head vigorously, “No way! I don’t want to drink anymore. I was wrong, Balfour, I shouldn’t have gone past two drinks. But who’d have thought I’d get this smashed? Don’t you remember the last time we shared that bottle of imported wine? I had three glasses and was fine. It’s only because you weren’t there that I lost it.”

Her cheeks were still flushed, and as she leaned back in the seat, her gaze at Balfour seemed to sparkle. He leaned in instinctively and covered her lips with his, “The wine tonight wasn’t bad. If you want, we can have another go some other time. But next time, no drinking unless I’m around, got it?”

He knew the people at the party tonight were all friends and good-natured folks, so a bit of drunkenness was harmless. But Ivy might not be so lucky in other circumstances.

Balfour had become hyper-vigilant about Ivy’s safety since Clara. Whenever she if he could make the time, he’d be there to pick her up personally.

He couldn’t relax even with friends like Evadne around. Past lessons had been harsh, and he couldn’t bear the thought of Ivy enduring those terrifying moments again. Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Ivy nodded, understanding how much he cared. Sometimes they each valued the other’s life more than their own, and she could appreciate Balfour’s concerns.

“Don’t worry. It was because the director and everyone were there, and Evadne was with me. I knew you’d come for me, and that’s why indulged myself with a few glasses. It won’t happen again.”

After several more promotional events for “Ballad of Valor”, Ivy had a good feeling for the film’s prospects. It wouldn’t disappoint – it was a fitting tribute to the director’s five years of hard work.

But the film’s success took everyone by surprise.

It wasn’t just a hit; it was a sensation. It became the champion of the summer season, earning critical acclaim and box office gold.

Many came for Ivy and Ryan’s on-screen charm but left emotionally wrecked by the powerful story. It even boosted the economy of the fishing village where it was shot. This success was more than enough to put the minds of the film’s creators at ease.