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.”

her smile, “I’ve seen her. Yes, she’s very beautiful. But I’m not really into the

back in high school, you weren’t much into that stuff. All the other girls were starstruck, except you. Some things never

Ivy was a loner; others saw her as aloof and

to focus on other things, Ivy chuckled, choosing not to bring up the pressures she faced at that

she been all

did you and my cousin end

worlds apart; anyone who looked

was just a casual acquaintance,” Ivy said with a rueful smile, deliberately vague. “But, the news

in Nolan’s eyes as he forced a smile, “Don’t worry, nobody dares to gossip

to catch up to Balfour’s success.

many. Catching up to Balfour was easier said than

family, even Nolan’s family, independent as they were, didn’t dare cross

buzzed. She glanced