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.”

nodded, maintaining her smile, “I’ve seen her. Yes, she’s very beautiful. But I’m not really into the showbiz scene, so I didn’t recognize her at

that stuff. All the

loner; others saw her as aloof and antisocial.

I was just too caught up in my studies, so I didn’t have much time to focus on other things, Ivy

had she been all these years?

you and my

coming. After all, she and Balfour seemed worlds apart; anyone who looked at them would be curious

rueful smile, deliberately vague. “But, the news of our marriage isn’t public yet, Nolan. Please, try not

in Nolan’s eyes as he forced a smile, “Don’t

years, Nolan had strove to catch up to

Balfour’s starting point was already the finish line for many. Catching

the Howard family, even Nolan’s family, independent as they were, didn’t dare cross

Ivy’s phone buzzed. She