The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2372

Ivy’s eyes were a canvas of confusion and innocence, brimming with tears that threatened to spill over any second.

"Of course not, why would I ever doubt you?"

Ivy forced a wry smile. "Really? Do you truly believe me? Or are you just comforting me? I don't want any platitudes; I want to know your gut reaction. Nolan, do you honestly think I'm such a terrible person?"

Nolan had no idea what Balfour had said to Ivy, but her current state was off-kilter, almost like a fight-or-flight response.

"I've never thought of you as a bad person. Quite the opposite, you're one of the kindest girls I know, always turning the other cheek, even when you've been wronged. The Ivy I know is someone who always looks on the bright side. Tell me, why are you doubting yourself? Did someone say something to you?"

Ivy's eyes remained wide, as if she couldn't quite believe his words.

"Is that so? I'm not as perfect as you say. I get jealous, I feel wronged, and sometimes I wonder why I couldn't be the one who gets hurt instead. That way, I wouldn't be under suspicion."

Curled up in the passenger seat, Ivy was a tight coil of vulnerability, her leg wound forgotten.

Nolan glanced at her and felt a pang of sympathy.

Since their school days, Ivy had always been a beacon of optimism. She was beautiful and kind to everyone.

But due to Clara's scheming, there were always a few who'd smear her name. Ivy would just smile it off, unwilling to let her friends seek revenge on her behalf.

"Maybe they're just having a bad day and needed to vent. Once they're feeling better, they'll stop talking about me like that."

Ivy often consoled her roommates this way, and sometimes her friends would end up angrier than she was.

The car pulled up in front of Ivy's dorm, marking the end of the day's drama. Ivy could go back and rest now.

Nolan opened the car door for Ivy, concerned for her current state of mind and wanting to accompany her upstairs.

"You don’t need to do that. You've got your own things to worry about. I'm all right, really. You should check on Ms. Lewis at the hospital if you're worried."

But her smile was clearly forced, and Nolan's frown remained steadfast.

"Are you afraid I'm going to do something to you? Ivy, I care about you, and I can't leave you like this. You may be smiling, but your eyes are crying. Ivy, don't bottle everything up. Haven't we been friends long enough for you to confide in me?"

"Nolan, I've never thought that way. I'm really grateful for everything you've done for me."