Chapter 1942
After graduating from high school, Nolan and Ivy ended up at universities in different cities, and after that, they lost all contact.
Little did she know, her one-sided high school crush would resurface years later.
“Wow, it’s been ages since we last saw each other, huh?” Nolan asked casually, catching up on old times. “Back then, I heard you got into a decent college. So, how’s it going now? What have you been up to these days?”
Ivy could barely bring herself to look at him, unsure of how to explain that, following her graduation, her mother had requested her to remain at home and take care of her family, hindering her from pursuing a career.
So, since graduation, Ivy had never actually held down a job.
“It’s okay if you don’t wanna talk about it,” Nolan said, noting the shift in her demeanor, trying to break the awkward silence. “When I spotted you from afar, I was actually kind of shocked. I thought I was seeing things! That guy who was just chatting you up, he’s known around Greenhaven as a bit of a playboy. Do you know him?”
He didn’t press further, allowing Ivy to breathe a sigh of relief. “I don’t know him, and I can’t figure out why he wouldn’t leave me alone.”
“Come on, it’s obviously ’cause you’re gorgeous,” Nolan chuckled softly.
Ivy’s gaze shot up, her face filled with disbelief.
Did Nolan just call her beautiful?
She felt her cheeks gradually growing warm, and a smile she couldn’t contain tugged at her lips, “You’re giving me too much credit, Nolan. Everyone’s all dolled up here. I’m pretty plain in comparison.”
“That’s not true, Ivy. You’ve always been beautiful; you just keep your head down, not letting people see it,” Nolan leaned in, closing the distance between them slightly, “Don’t you remember? Back in high school, I told you to have more confidence.”
Her gaze locked onto his warm brown eyes, and her mind wandered back to their high school days.
There was a class performance, and she was cast as a maid, which was an inconsequential role with no lines, just some simple dance moves.
The steps were easy enough for her to master, but she had never been on stage before and lacked confidence, especially after being belittled at home. She remembered slouching just before going on stage.
That’s when Nolan had first told her, “Be confident. You’re beautiful.”
She never imagined that after all these years, she would see Nolan again.
“Nolan, what brings you here?”
The affluent man who had hit on her earlier seemed to hold Nolan in high regard. It looked like Nolan came from a distinguished family, too.
“I’m here for a birthday bash. And you? Do you know the birthday guy?” Nolan asked with a smile.
Ivy hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She couldn’t possibly tell him she was attending the party accompanying her ‘husband’.
Especially since Balfour wasn’t truly her husband!
“It’s crowded here. Let’s grab a seat and chat?”
Noticing Ivy’s reticence, Nolan suggested they sit on a nearby couch to talk.
Without objecting, Ivy followed him and settled into the soft cushions.
“Girls like you should take it easy on the booze. Stay here, I’ll get you a drink, Nolan said, barely sitting down before he caught a glimpse of the alcohol on the table and stood up to head towards the juice bar.
Watching Nolan’s retreating figure, a strange flutter stirred in Ivy’s heart.
Years had passed, but Nolan was still Nolan, the same guy who always exuded warmth.
Ivy would never forget that winter afternoon in their sophomore year, when she had to dash back to the classroom after gym class to grab a sanitary pad because her period had started unexpectedly.
