The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1916

When Alyssa pointed it out, the pieces fell into place for Ivy. She had been puzzled, unable to fathom why Balfour would seek her out for an contractual marriage. After all, she didn't believe he felt any obligation towards her because of that one night they spent together, nor did she think eligible women were in short supply around him.

So it was all to appease his family, to meet their incessant prodding.

"Ivy, I can tell you're a good girl. With you by his side, he'll give his grandparents some peace of mind."

Faced with Alyssa's kindness, Ivy suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. Her marriage to Balfour was a sham, which was set to dissolve after a year. She had no idea how she would face Alyssa when the time came.

As they strolled, Alyssa gave Ivy some advice before retiring to her quarters, letting the housemaid guide Ivy to Balfour's room for rest.

Surveying the room, which was several times the size of her former quarters at her family's converted storeroom, Ivy couldn't help but marvel.

It felt surreal, like a dream. Just this morning, she was in that tiny bedroom, and now she found herself in this luxurious master bedroom.

It was overwhelming, almost suffocating.

After a moment lost in thought, Ivy bathed and changed into modest nightwear. With nothing else to do, she went to bed.

She had been anxious about Balfour's return, uncertain of how to face him, but soon after lying down, sleepiness took her into its soft embrace.

A restful night passed, and when she awoke the next day, the other half of the bed was still untouched, bearing no signs of anyone having slept there.

Balfour hadn't come back last night.

This eased Ivy's mind considerably; she wasn't ready to share a bed with a man who was still a stranger to her.