The Kiss that Sparked it All

Nolan picked up his remote control airplane, switching off the television with a flick of his.

He had just been watching the award ceremony live, cheering inwardly as Ivy clinched the Best New Actress award. But the sight of Balfour by her side left him with a bittersweet twinge in his heart.

His brief pang of regret quickly morphed into an irritable restlessness. Out of sight, out of mind, he figured as he turned off the TV.

He had to admit he had fallen deeply for Ivy. With her looks and her personality, she ticked all the boxes of his ideal partner. Above all, she reminded him of a girl he had harbored. feelings for many years ago-Dahlia.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear!

Just as Nolan uncorked a bottle of red wine, planning to drown his sorrows alone, his assistant’s call came buzzing through.

He answered with a subdued voice, “What? Can’t it wait till tomorrow?”

He was about to hang up when the assistant hastily interjected, “Mr. Harris, it’s about Dahlia! She’s back in the country!”

Nolan’s grip on the wine bottle tightened.

What?

The next day.

Regina Tanner couldn’t believe her bad luck.

After a hard-fought battle for an opportunity to work outside the studio, she found herself in a dispute over a seat with a stranger.

“Excuse me, sir, but this seat is mine. Could you please check if you’re in the right spot?”

A man in a suit with gold-rimmed glasses looked up at her with a dismissive glance. He seemed to pay no heed to her words, focusing instead on the upcoming performance.

What was this? Had he not heard her?

Burning with frustration but wearing a strained smile, Regina repeated her-question, “Sir, are you hard of hearing? This seat is mine, and I think you need to double-check your ticket.”

To capture photos of the most renowned new dance artist, Dahlia, Regina had done her homework, securing this vantage point after much effort. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Dahlia’s performances were a hot ticket item, and Regina had to call in favors from an old friend to snag this seat. Why should this man just waltz in and occupy it without budging? Did he think she was a pushover?

The man found her incessant chatter to be a nuisance, frowning as he retorted, “We’re here to watch a performance. Can you please act with a bit of decorum?”

Regina was flabbergasted. Was he really telling her that?

She even turned her head to make sure there was no one behind her before facing him. again.

Pointing to herself in disbelief, she asked, “Are you saying I’m the one lacking manners?”

Nolan glanced up, “Is there anyone else here? I don’t know how you got in, but since you’ve managed to get a front-row ticket, please show some respect for the artist, Dahlia, and keep it down.”