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.”

But I’m not really into the showbiz scene, so I didn’t recognize her at first.”

high school, you weren’t much into that stuff. All the other girls were starstruck,

was a loner; others saw her as aloof and

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

been all these

asking, “How did you and my

After all, she and Balfour seemed worlds apart; anyone

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

forced a

strove to catch up to Balfour’s success.

for many. Catching up to Balfour

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

they conversed, Ivy’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the message