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.

all, so there was no reason to indulge in

tickets had been bought, and he couldn’t disappoint Alyssa. Having agreed, he really did want to watch the movie with Ivy, not expecting

let down. Anyone would be upset

and walked over to Ivy. “Let’s go,”

to her feet, dazed,

stay here?” Balfour didn’t wait for

“Balfour, where are

it’s your birthday. I’ve planned this party for a long time. If

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

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

on fire, “Balfour, maybe

everyone.”

pull her hand away from Balfour’s, but

our business,” Balfour insisted,