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.

‘kindness’ was something Ivy neither needed nor wanted. In

Giselle, there’s no need. I can handle

Ivy’s second refusal, Giselle’s pleasant facade visibly crumbled.

had offered to help Ivy out of the goodness of her heart, even considering whether the job would be

until a woman stepped out of the director’s office, smiling as she approached.

Colton’s right-hand assistant, a key contact for hopeful

Ivy was just another auditionee,

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

was waiting while Ivy was treated like an honored guest was a slap

momentarily, but she quickly put on her understanding smile again. “Oh, Ivy’s a guest too? Well,

the office. “Colton’s been waiting a while now. Come with me, Ms.