The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2008

The party was in full swing, with some guests clinking beer bottles and others belting out hits on the karaoke machine.

Giselle never left Balfour’s side, chatting up a storm with everyone around her, her laughter ringing out like a melody.

Ivy watched her, a pang of envy gnawing at her heart.

She’d never been like Giselle, so effortlessly sociable, chatting away with anyone and everyone, so utterly at ease.

Around strangers, Ivy couldn’t shake off a feeling of awkwardness.

Balfour, surrounded by a throng of well-wishers, couldn’t help but let his gaze drift to Ivy, sitting alone in a corner, her head bowed, her aura dimmed.

He squinted at her thoughtfully.

Originally, when Alyssa had told him about the movie tickets, Balfour hadn’t wanted to go with Ivy.

weren’t a couple, after all, so there was no

and he couldn’t disappoint Alyssa. Having agreed, he really did want to watch the movie with Ivy, not expecting Giselle to spring a birthday surprise on him.

to feel let down. Anyone would be upset by a

distance, Balfour suddenly stood up and walked over to Ivy. “Let’s go,”

her feet, dazed,

want to stay here?” Balfour didn’t wait for an answer. He grabbed her hand, ready to

turned frosty, “Balfour, where are you

intertwined hands, her expression slipping beyond her control, “Balfour, it’s your birthday. I’ve planned this party for a long

Giselle, but right now, I need some alone time with my wife. Don’t mind us, and carry on with the fun. Put all the expenses on my tab tonight.

were enough to sting her, and seeing that he was serious about leaving, Giselle called out again,

Giselle’s glare could set her on fire, “Balfour, maybe you should

everyone.”

tried to pull her hand away from Balfour’s, but his grip

business,” Balfour insisted,

to watch them go, fury flaring in her