The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1951

Ivy felt a twinge of embarrassment stir within her as she recalled the words Balfour had said to Nolan. She never felt worthy of Nolan before, and now, more than ever, she knew it was foolish to even entertain the notion.

“Why are you all by yourself? Where’s my cousin?” Nolan’s voice pulled her from her reverie, and Ivy looked up to see him approach with that same warm, gentlemanly smile.

Her lips curled into a faint smile as she replied, “He’s chatting with a friend. I thought I’d take a stroll.”

“His friend?” Nolan pondered for a moment. “It must be Giselle, right?”

Hearing Giselle’s name dimmed Ivy’s spirits.

Of course. Giselle and Balfour had been childhood sweethearts, and it seemed that everyone’s first thought of Balfour’s friends was her

“Have you met Giselle?” Nolan asked, coming to stand beside her. “She’s quite the celebrity now, with a legion of fans.”

very beautiful. But I’m not really into the showbiz scene, so I didn’t recognize her at first.”

school, you weren’t much into that stuff. All the other girls were

loner; others saw her

too caught up in my studies, so I didn’t have much time to focus on other things, Ivy chuckled, choosing not to bring up

had she been all these

“How did you

and Balfour seemed worlds apart; anyone who looked at them would be curious about how they ended up

casual acquaintance,” Ivy said with a rueful smile, deliberately vague. “But, the news of our marriage isn’t public yet,

tinge of sadness flickered in Nolan’s eyes as he forced a smile, “Don’t worry,

to catch up to Balfour’s success.

line for many. Catching up to Balfour was easier said

as the head of the Howard family, even Nolan’s family,

conversed, Ivy’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the message from Balfour.