The enchanted onlookers couldnât help but exclaim, âI believe in love again!â
âIt looks like our Ivy genuinely had no clue Mr. Howard was going to show up,â someone murmured.
The host passed the mic to Ivy, who nodded. âHeâs really tight-lipped.â
âSo, Mr. Howard,â the host prodded, âdo you have any expectations for Ivy winning an award today?â
It was a cunning question. If Balfour said yes, it might suggest something underhanded about Ivyâs award. If he said no, it would seem out of touch with reality.
âIâm hopeful for a win,â he answered diplomatically.
The host didnât dare to dig any deeper, wary of upsetting the influential mogul.
âAlright, letâs wish them both the best of luck. Next upâ¦â
Balfour bent down, gently lifting her dress hem. âLetâs go, princess.â
Ivyâs cheeks flushed uncontrollably at his words. He was full of surprises, and now he was making these gestures in front of the media.
Though they were always like this in private, she didnât want anyone to look down on him because of how he treated her.
Once they were alone, Ivy voiced her concerns. Balfour firmly took her hand.
âIâm taking care of my wife; whatâs wrong with that? Stop worrying. Those days are long gone.â
His confident gaze reassured her. Even if people accused her of posturing at the Feather Awards, it didnât matter. She was truly happy.
Their seats were side by side, and Ivy realized she was the only one kept in the dark âSit down and get ready to accept the first trophy of your acting career!â
Ivy sat beside him, chuckling. âAre you that confident Iâll win?â
âItâs not just my confidence in you; itâs my faith in peopleâs taste. The other actors are good, but theyâre no match for you, and deep down, everyone knows it.â
Her grip on his hand tightened. His certainty gave her courage.
She deserved that trophy. Her sweat and effort in portraying Valor were proof enough of her dedication to the role.
As the award ceremony began, time flew. Soon, the screen announced the Best New Actress category.
Last yearâs Best New Actress, now a successful supporting actress, presented the award.
âWow, sheâs this summerâs dark horse, and I bet sheâll continue to be one in the acting. world. Letâs congratulate the star of âBallad of Valorâ-Ivy Dunhill!â
Ivy stood up, covering her mouth in shock. When her name was called, she was utterly bewildered.
Balfour helped her up to the stage.
Accepting the award, she was still dazed. âHello, everyone. Iâm Ivy Dunhill, and this is my first role in a movie. Iâm thrilled and surprised to receive this award. To say I never hoped for it would be a lie, but only now, holding this trophy, do I understand its true weight. Iâd like to give my thanks to the director and the entire crew of âBallad of Valor,â thank you for your support. Without you, there would be no Valor, no honor for me tonight. Thank you. all!â