The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1914

“I’ll pay back every penny you spent on me. As for marriage, I won’t be following your plans,” Ivy declared firmly, grabbing her suitcase. and turning on her heel to leave.

“Ivy, stop right there!”

Tessa’s shout did nothing to slow Ivy down; she continued on, leaving Tessa clutching her chest, looking as if she might faint from the

shock.

“Dad, Tessa, don’t be upset,” Clara chimed in, the picture of innocence as she reached out to steady Tessa’s hand. “She is just being headstrong, but you still have me! I promise I’ll find a good husband and won’t let you down.”

Tessa gripped her hand, her face softening with relief. “Thank goodness we have you. Oh! Ivy used to be so sensible when she was younger. I can’t fathom what’s gotten into her now.”

“It’s your fault for not raising your daughter right!” Finn growled in a low voice. “If she wants to leave, then she need not bother coming back!”

silenced by his outburst.

breath, feeling a wave of liberation wash over her.

could live life on her own terms, no longer bending to the will

your ride is ready.” Quinton said as he opened

sliding into the

Howard residence, Ivy’s thoughts drifted to the man named Balfour, and she

her living with a stranger, trying to integrate into a new, prestigious family. She wondered if

“Ivy, we’ve arrived.”

was dropping her off at the Howard Mansion, a place that struck

an impressive estate.

the next year, this would be her home. She resolved to use the time wisely to plan for her

walked in, she spotted two elderly figures on

halted, flustered, “I’m sorry, I’m here to see

so much about, I presume?” the old lady said with