The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2523

“Listen, Alyssa, I’m sorry, okay?” Mara pressed closer, her voice simmering with frustration as Alyssa cautiously gripped the railing, stepping back.

Alyssa said, “I apologize. But life’s long, and you’ve got plenty ahead of me, unlike me. I’m practically six feet under already. Why not let go of Balfour and find someone who truly loves you?”

Mara’s laughter held a bitter edge, and with a swift, fierce motion, her hand struck Alyssa’s arm. A sharp cry escaped as Alyssa missed her grasp on the banister and tumbled down the stairs.

“Ah-”

The dispute had erupted in a secluded corner, away from prying eyes. As Alyssa fell, her scream was the only sound before a sickening silence took over.

Mara’s hands shook uncontrollably. “You brought this on yourself, so don’t blame me.”

Blood slowly pooled beneath Alyssa’s head, her eyelids fluttering before closing into

unconsciousness.

ensuring they were in a blind spot, away

was only a matter of minutes before

Someone help! Alyssa’s fallen down the stairs!”

chatter and fine wines, sobere up instantly. “You’ve got to be kidding. Alyssa was just fine, chatting

they knew no one would joke about such matters. The crowd stirred, clustering around the scene of

heard the dreadful news and sprang up, his glass shattering unnoticed on

said, “Althea, what did you just

tears, Althea urged them, “Please, go down and see for yourselves. The ambulance is on its

stumbling in her rush. She cursed the drink she’d had that evening; if only she hadn’t indulged, she wouldn’t be so

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