The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1959

Ivy’s heart leapt when she saw the notification in her email: an invitation to an interview. It was only an interview, yet to her, it was as precious as gold dust. After a string of rejections that felt like tossing wishes into the abyss, this was a lifeline.

She knew she had to bring her A-game. Every detail mattered, from her poise to her attire, so she dipped into her modest savings and set out to hit the local mall.

ĕ ñ ŏ F 3 x

The clothes Alyssa had prepared were all a bit too glitzy for an interview, more suitable for a gala than an office.

With a quick word to Alyssa, she was out the door.

Roaming through the mall alone, Ivy found the perfect business suit. It was like the mannequin had been her twin, but the price tag was hefty. She hesitated, pondering whether to bite the bullet.

drawled, one

there was Clara,

hadn’t bothered her. She’d hoped she’d seen the last of

luxury, no doubt funded by Ivy’s unwilling

care for the Dunhills’ lavish lifestyle and certainly didn’t want to engage with Clara. She ducked into a dressing

doing here, Ivy? As if you could afford anything. Just here to play dress-up? You should

regardless. She sidestepped Clara and said to the sales assistant, “Hi, could you pack up the suit from the dressing room for me? I’ll pay by card.”

course, just a

Ivy handed over her debit card, she prepared to

the clever one, playing the mistress? It’s effortless, isn’t it,

started to assess Ivy with scornful looks, mocking and