The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1940

“We’re just friends,” Ivy said, offering nothing more on the subject but a smile as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror.

Jonah sensed that Ivy wasn’t keen on delving deeper into the nature of their relationship, so he dropped the topic. He smiled and proceeded to apply her makeup with great care.

As Ivy watched her transformation unfold bit by bit in the mirror, it all felt a bit surreal.

Throughout her childhood, she had never worn anything fancy. Every time she saw Clara twirling in a pretty frock, envy welled up within her. However, she didn’t dare to hope for such things for herself, knowing they were beyond her reach. “Mom, tomorrow’s my birthday. Can I have a pretty dress like Clara’s?” Ivy asked, her eyes brimming with hope as she looked up at Tessa, only to be met with her mother’s dismissive tone.

“What do you need a fancy dress for? Haven’t I bought you plenty of T-shirts? Be content, Ivy. Stop comparing yourself to your sister.”

Eight-year-old Ivy never got the dress she longed for.

Now, dressed in the gown she had always dreamed of, the excitement Ivy would have once felt was conspicuously absent.

when you yearn for something so deeply and it remains out of reach,

styling, Ivy emerged in a gown personally selected by Balfour, stunning even the seasoned Quinton, who was accustomed

simple attire, rarely bothering with makeup,

but had not anticipated the dazzling transformation that had taken place. She was now the kind of

do I look okay? Isn’t this a bit too much?” Ivy, not accustomed to formal wear, was visibly nervous. Even her

first, let’s grab a bite. You won’t want to eat much at the reception, and it’ll run

quick stop at a fast-food joint for a stomach-lining

that Balfour had already gone inside, he suggested Ivy head in to find him.

hesitated at the entrance, feeling out of her element, “What if I can’t find him?”

“Don’t worry, Ivy. Just head in and

okay then.” Ivy sighed with resignation, faced the imposing doors of the reception, and took a deep breath. “I’ll go in