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Novel Catalog
Chapter 24
Ivor played quickly, hardly needing to pause and think. It was the same for Bonnie. As soon as Ivor made his move, Bonnie responded just as swiftly. All that could be heard was the soft thud of pieces moving across the chessboard.
Heath and Ged watched in awe, nearly cheering at each brilliant move. This was more than just a game—it was the ultimate showdown, and there was no way of predicting the winner.
Half an hour passed, and Bonnie took a moment to sip from a glass of water. Ivor made his move, then glanced up at her. His eyes lingered, mesmerized by her focus and grace.
Bonnie set the glass down and noticed his gaze. “Is there something on my face?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ivor snapped out of his trance and frowned. “It’s your turn.”
Bonnie shrugged slightly. “Oh.” She moved her piece.
As time went on, Ivor’s movements slowed. He leaned forward, studying the chessboard, his brows furrowed in concentration.
Ged began to feel a pang of anxiety. Was Ivor about to lose?
Bonnie waited in silence, her composure unwavering.
A minute passed before Ivor made his move, and Ged let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Bonnie’s turn came next. She paused, her fingers hovering over the pieces, weighing her options. Heath, sensing her slight hesitation, picked up a fan and began to wave it at her, as if to cool her down.
Bonnie shot him a glance, silently telling him to relax. Heath flushed and gave an exaggerated thumbs-up, embarrassed by his own antics.
Ivor, watching the interaction, narrowed his eyes.
With a soft thud, Bonnie made her move and met Ivor’s gaze. “Your turn.”
The game continued, but neither of them seemed able to gain the upper hand. Each move was matched by a counter, each piece maneuvered with precision. They were evenly matched, both lost in the game, their focus intense.
Eventually, the tension in the room reached a point where both players paused simultaneously.
“I think we should call it a draw,” Bonnie said, breaking the silence.
“I agree,” Ivor replied.
“We’ll play again next time,” Bonnie added, standing up and stretching her limbs.
Heath, who had been watching the entire time, smiled. “It’s noon. Are you hungry? Let’s grab some lunch.”
Bonnie patted her stomach. “I’m starving. Let’s go.”
“Where should we go?” Heath asked.
Bonnie thought for a moment. “Let me think.”
The two of them chatted as they walked toward the door, their voices light and easy. Ivor, still seated at the chessboard, felt a stir of jealousy as he observed how close Bonnie and Heath had become. The way they talked, the ease between them—it made Ivor’s stomach twist in an unfamiliar way.
He quickly shook the feeling off, but the thought lingered in his mind.