The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2008

The party was in full swing, with some guests clinking beer bottles and others belting out hits on the karaoke machine.

Giselle never left Balfour's side, chatting up a storm with everyone around her, her laughter ringing out like a melody.

Ivy watched her, a pang of envy gnawing at her heart.

She'd never been like Giselle, so effortlessly sociable, chatting away with anyone and everyone, so utterly at ease.

Around strangers, Ivy couldn't shake off a feeling of awkwardness.

Balfour, surrounded by a throng of well-wishers, couldn't help but let his gaze drift to Ivy, sitting alone in a corner, her head bowed, her aura dimmed.

He squinted at her thoughtfully.

Originally, when Alyssa had told him about the movie tickets, Balfour hadn't wanted to go with Ivy.

They weren't a couple, after all, so there was no reason to indulge in such things.

But the tickets had been bought, and he couldn't disappoint Alyssa. Having agreed, he really did want to watch the movie with Ivy, not expecting Giselle to spring a birthday surprise on him.

It was only natural for Ivy to feel let down. Anyone would be upset by a sudden change of plans.

From a distance, Balfour suddenly stood up and walked over to Ivy. "Let's go," he said.

Ivy slowly rose to her feet, dazed, "Go? Where to?"

"Do you really want to stay here?" Balfour didn't wait for an answer. He grabbed her hand, ready to take off.

Seeing this, Giselle's face turned frosty, "Balfour, where are you off to?"