The Kiss that Sparked it All

Balfour’s eyes turned serious, like there was no room for negotiation.

Patricia, although she’d been spoiled since childhood, still got a little scared when Balfour got all stern.

“Balfour, you’ve gotta treat Ellinor well, okay? Don’t lose your cool just because she accidentally wandered into Pearl’s room and broke Pearl’s favorite music box. I’m off to check on Baber.”

After reminding Balfour, Patricia took off, but things didn’t turn out quite as she’d hoped.

Once Patricia left, Ellinor didn’t feel like sticking around either. She murmured, “Mr. Howard, I’m sorry for going where I shouldn’t have in your house. I’l show myself out, but I didn’t break that music box”

With that, she made to leave. But Balfour raised a hand to stop her.

Ellinor paused, frowning, “So, what’s the deal? You’re gonna punish me for trespassing?”

door, preventing

the Howard family. But you’re allowed in because this was your room when you were little. I won’t blame you or punish you. I’m glad you’re back.”

let out a sarcastic

it out. Because of the music from the music box and the flashbacks, she’d sensed

box when

at it, “Oh, really? Well,

“I kept this room and everything in it exactly the way it was when you were a child. Do you remember?”

“Nope.”

a bitter smile, “Well, that’s okay. Once