The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2024

As Ivy met Balfour’s unwavering gaze, a seed of belief began to sprout in her mind after what felt like the hundredth explanation from him. Maybe he truly was here for her.

With that realization, the frustration that had been suffocating her heart dissipated, replaced by a flurry of shyness.

She started to sense that their relationship was not quite what it used to be.

“Ready to chat now?” Balfour leaned in slightly, a crooked smile on his lips. “Missed lunch, didn’t you?”

Ivy had not felt hungry until he mentioned it, but suddenly, her stomach echoed with emptiness. She nodded. “Yeah, I could eat.”

Balfour glanced at his watch. “It’s way past noon. I skipped lunch, too. How about we grab something before going home?”

me.” Ivy fought to keep her grin at bay, turning away before letting her smile burst forth, her cheeks blooming

on a sweeter significance. Without it, she might never have known to what lengths Balfour would go for

Balfour called his driver, instructing him to swing

of professionalism, swiftly getting the car

it?” Ivy could not help

regular at this joint, owned by a friend who never charged him a dime. He had not really considered the actual cost – it

responded casually, taking her hand and leading her inside.

Ivy could protest, she found herself being ushered in, “Hey, Balfour…”

a whirlwind of

favorites when