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.”

she’s very beautiful. But I’m not really into the showbiz scene, so I didn’t recognize her at

stuff. All the other girls were

was a loner; others saw her as aloof and antisocial.

too caught up in my studies, so I didn’t have much time to

been

Nolan hesitated before asking, “How did you and my cousin end up

worlds apart; anyone who looked at them would be curious about

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

a smile, “Don’t worry, nobody dares to gossip about

Nolan had strove to catch up to Balfour’s success.

for many. Catching up to Balfour was

as the head of the Howard family, even Nolan’s family, independent

conversed, Ivy’s phone buzzed. She glanced