The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1951

Ivy felt a twinge of embarrassment stir within her as she recalled the words Balfour had said to Nolan. She never felt worthy of Nolan before, and now, more than ever, she knew it was foolish to even entertain the notion.

“Why are you all by yourself? Where’s my cousin?” Nolan’s voice pulled her from her reverie, and Ivy looked up to see him approach with that same warm, gentlemanly smile.

Her lips curled into a faint smile as she replied, “He’s chatting with a friend. I thought I’d take a stroll.”

“His friend?” Nolan pondered for a moment. “It must be Giselle, right?”

Hearing Giselle’s name dimmed Ivy’s spirits.

Of course. Giselle and Balfour had been childhood sweethearts, and it seemed that everyone’s first thought of Balfour’s friends was her

“Have you met Giselle?” Nolan asked, coming to stand beside her. “She’s quite the celebrity now, with a legion of fans.”

beautiful. But I’m not really into the showbiz scene, so I

into that stuff.

then, Ivy was a loner; others saw her

so I didn’t have much time to focus on other things, Ivy chuckled, choosing not to bring up

been

you and my

she and Balfour seemed worlds apart; anyone who

vague. “But, the news of our marriage isn’t public yet, Nolan. Please, try not to mention it

a smile,

had strove to catch up

already the finish line for many. Catching up to Balfour was

Howard family, even Nolan’s family,

conversed, Ivy’s phone buzzed. She glanced at