The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2090

Joy surged through Giselle like a tidal wave when she received the message.

She had casually sent those texts, partly out of boredom. Her family's estate was experiencing a blackout, sure, but they had a generator humming in the background—it wasn't like she was truly stranded in the dark.

But lo and behold, without lifting a finger, she had orchestrated shade where there was none—Balfour had actually agreed to come over.

A grin spread across Giselle's face. Even if Balfour was currently with Ivy, what did it matter? After all, he was still putty in her hands, coming to her at the mere crook of a finger!

This was her chance to set the scene straight with Balfour, to bake her half-raw dough into the sweetest bread.

Humming a tune, Giselle set about preparing for her gentleman caller.

...

Over at the Howard Mansion, Dean watched his wife pack her essentials with military precision and followed her around the house like a shadow. "Where are you off to, darling? Do you want me to drive you?"

"No need, love. You just hold down the fort. Make sure Balfour and Ivy are getting along well. I will be back before you know it."

...

Ding-dong!

The doorbell echoed through Giselle's house.

What could Giselle say? She forced a smile and ushered her in with feigned enthusiasm, "Madam, please, come in! I was just... taken aback, didn't expect you, that's all."

As they moved towards the living room, Giselle's steps were sluggish, as if she were trudging through quicksand, wishing she could retreat with each step forward.

"The weather's been dreadful lately, and your power seems to be quite unreliable. Haven't you thought about moving to a new place?" Alyssa inquired, her tone as gentle as if she were addressing a beloved relative.

"Uh... I have thought about it, but I've grown attached to this house. Moving would be such a hassle," Giselle replied cautiously.

No matter how slowly they proceeded, the setup in the dining room was bound to come to light.

Candles of varying heights were scattered throughout the room, creating a warm glow despite the darkness outside. At the center of the dining table, only two chairs were set, with plates covered in what was unmistakably a dinner prepared especially for the occasion.