The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1917

Ivy had been up since the dawn broke, busy in the kitchen preparing a hearty breakfast. After baking some scones and frying up a batch of eggs, she decided to finish off with a pot of oatmeal.

While the oatmeal simmered gently on the stove, Ivy’s stomach gave an unexpected lurch. She glanced over at Leila, her expression a mix of discomfort and urgency. “Leila, I gotta go to the bathroom. The oatmeal’s not ready yet. Could you keep an eye on it for me?”

“Sure thing, Miss,” Leila replied, watching Ivy rush off, and a cryptic smile crept over her face.

When Ivy returned, she noticed that Leila had already served the oatmeal. “It’s ready, huh?”

“Yes Miss, all set.” Leila was setting the table with three breakfast plates. “I’ll go fetch Mr. and Mrs. Howard for breakfast.”

Ivy nodded with a smile and took a seat in the dining room.

– the way Leila looked at her seemed strange, almost as if she harbored some

Dean and Alyssa made their way into

sight of the spread. Alyssa, with her grandmotherly warmth,

something special for you and Grandpa!” Ivy ladled some oatmeal into

and gladly took the bowl from Ivy, tasting a spoonful.

also took a sip, giving Ivy a thumbs-up with a

their praise, Ivy’s spirits soared, and she

before heading back to her room to unpack her luggage and put her clothes into the

Dean Howard, with a panicked expression. “Miss, emergency! The master and

Talia out. “What

several trips to the bathroom, they could