Chapter 455

Elizabeth was feeling pretty annoyed. Don't let Ivan's smile fool you into thinking he's harmless. But Ivan kept inching closer. Elizabeth turned away, deciding to ignore him. Little did she know, Alexander was watching them, his grip on his cup tightening.

Alexander thought, Since when did Elizabeth and Ivan get so chummy? Why are they laughing and chatting? And why did she stop him from drinking? Alexander was not happy. “Alexander,” Esme called out. Alexander turned. “Yeah?” “Henry’s here too. Should we go say hi?” Esme asked with a slight smile.

Alexander looked up and, sure enough, there was Henry. He had just talked to Henry yesterday, and Henry had said he wouldn’t come. Alexander nodded and went with Esme to greet Henry.

Meanwhile, Ivan kept trailing Elizabeth. Wherever she went, he followed. Elizabeth felt exasperated. “Why are you following me?” She had come to the party wanting some alone time.

“You’re the only one I know,” Ivan said, spreading his hands in an innocent gesture. Elizabeth gave a wry smile. “Don’t you know Alexander and Kieran?” “Them?” He glanced in their direction. One was chatting with the Russells, and the other was chasing after some young girl. How could they remember Ivan, who had just returned and didn’t know anyone?

Ivan sighed, feeling pretty bummed out. Elizabeth stayed quiet. “Why did you and Alexander get divorced?” Ivan and Elizabeth found a quieter spot to sit. Elizabeth played with her glass, her tone calm, “We didn’t get along, so we split.”

“Wasn’t it because he cheated on you?” he asked. Elizabeth couldn’t bring herself to admit in front of Ivan that Alexander had betrayed her. “Do you still love him now?” Ivan leaned in closer, staring directly into Elizabeth’s eyes.

Elizabeth was puzzled. She met Ivan’s eyes, which were particularly clear, like he hadn’t seen much of the world. Life abroad and life at home are naturally different, Elizabeth thought. She was about to answer when Ivan suddenly leaned in, looking into her eyes and blinking. Elizabeth suddenly couldn’t figure him out.

Ivan swallowed hard. He had to admit, Elizabeth fascinated him. Elizabeth was truly beautiful. Ivan frowned slightly, licked his lips, and half-jokingly asked, “Elizabeth, can I kiss you?”