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.

so there was no reason

he really did want to watch the movie with Ivy,

Ivy to feel let down. Anyone would be upset by a sudden change of plans.

suddenly stood up and walked over to Ivy. “Let’s

her feet, dazed, “Go? Where

you really want to stay here?” Balfour didn’t wait for an answer.

Giselle’s face turned frosty, “Balfour, where

her eyes fixed on their intertwined hands, her expression slipping beyond her control, “Balfour, it’s your birthday. I’ve planned this party for a long time. If the guest of honor leaves,

“Thanks for the party, Giselle, but right now, I need some alone time with my wife. Don’t mind us, and carry on with the fun. Put

were enough to sting her, and seeing that he was serious about leaving, Giselle called out again, “Balfour, where

if Giselle’s glare could set her on fire, “Balfour, maybe you should stay and enjoy

everyone.”

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

Balfour insisted, pulling