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.

was no reason to indulge in

he couldn’t disappoint Alyssa. Having agreed, he really did want to watch

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

distance, Balfour suddenly stood up and walked over to Ivy.

slowly rose to her feet, dazed, “Go?

stay here?” Balfour didn’t wait for an answer.

“Balfour, where are you off

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,

alone time with my wife. Don’t mind us, and carry on with the fun. Put all the expenses on my tab tonight.

and seeing that he was serious about leaving, Giselle called out again, “Balfour, where are you and Ivy off to

set her on fire, “Balfour, maybe you should stay

everyone.”

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

is our business,” Balfour insisted, pulling Ivy away from