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.

deeply and it remains out of reach, its eventual acquisition loses

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

simple attire, rarely bothering with makeup, and

had taken place. She was

much?” Ivy, not accustomed to

will be waiting at the venue. But first, let’s grab a bite. You won’t want to eat

stop at a fast-food joint for a stomach-lining snack,

gone inside, he suggested Ivy head in

out of her element, “What if I can’t find

noticing her apprehension, reassured her. “Don’t worry, Ivy. Just head in

resignation, faced the imposing doors of the reception, and took a deep