The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2008

The party was in full swing, with some guests clinking beer bottles and others belting out hits on the karaoke machine.

Giselle never left Balfour’s side, chatting up a storm with everyone around her, her laughter ringing out like a melody.

Ivy watched her, a pang of envy gnawing at her heart.

She’d never been like Giselle, so effortlessly sociable, chatting away with anyone and everyone, so utterly at ease.

Around strangers, Ivy couldn’t shake off a feeling of awkwardness.

Balfour, surrounded by a throng of well-wishers, couldn’t help but let his gaze drift to Ivy, sitting alone in a corner, her head bowed, her aura dimmed.

He squinted at her thoughtfully.

Originally, when Alyssa had told him about the movie tickets, Balfour hadn’t wanted to go with Ivy.

weren’t a couple, after all, so there was no reason to indulge in such

Alyssa. Having agreed, he really did want to watch the movie with Ivy, not expecting Giselle to spring a birthday surprise

for Ivy to feel let down. Anyone would be

up and walked over to Ivy.

rose to her feet, dazed, “Go? Where

didn’t wait for an answer. He grabbed her hand,

frosty, “Balfour,

“Balfour, it’s your birthday. I’ve planned this party

now, I need some alone time with my wife. Don’t mind us, and carry on with the fun. Put all the

sting her, and seeing that he was serious about leaving, Giselle called out

on fire, “Balfour, maybe you should stay and enjoy

everyone.”

tried to pull her hand away from Balfour’s, but his grip was too strong, unyielding to

Balfour insisted, pulling Ivy away