The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2017

“Thanks, but I’m still in the dark about what kind of gig you’re hunting for,” Giselle said, her eyes glittering with a touch of disdain. To her, if Ivy was hustling for a paycheck, then she was no threat at all.

Ivy bowed her head, a guilty flush coloring her cheeks. “I… I haven’t quite figured it out. Just looking for something that fits, you know?”

“Is that so?” Giselle mused, taking a few thoughtful steps before halting in front of Ivy. “Tell you what, I go way back with Colton. When I bump into him later, I’ll put in a good word for you, and maybe he can hook you up with a job or something. How’s that sound?”

For some reason, despite Giselle’s seemingly considerate words, Ivy could not shake off the feeling that the woman before her was terrifying.

There was this nagging sense that made Ivy feel that Giselle was not as benign and straightforward as she appeared. Her motives were beyond Ivy’s comprehension.

“How about a clerical job?” Giselle pondered for a while, then came up with an idea. “Easy work, decent pay. I’ll chat with Colton about it later.”

By now, Ivy realized Giselle was not quite getting the message. She insisted on forcing her ‘kindness,’ regardless of Ivy’s wishes.

nor wanted. In fact, it was becoming rather

can handle the

Ivy’s second refusal, Giselle’s pleasant

Ivy out of the goodness of her heart, even considering whether the job would be

stepped out of the director’s office, smiling as

asked, surprised. This woman was Colton’s right-hand assistant, a

another auditionee, not someone who knew Colton’s assistant personally.

so I’m afraid you’ll have to wait outside for a bit,” the assistant

was treated like an honored

understanding smile again. “Oh, Ivy’s a guest too? Well, since she was

leading Ivy into the office. “Colton’s been