The Kiss that Sparked it All

Regina pressed her lips together and flashed them a shy smile. She had braced herself for a barrage of subtle jabs from those elders, but to her surprise, they were nothing but kind-hearted. The thought made her feel even more awkward, especially when she considered how her father’s demeanor would starkly contrast with theirs.

Nolan stepped forward, his hand finding its way to Regina’s shoulder as he guided her inside.

“Come on, I told you there’s no need to wait by the door. Grandma and Grandpa are getting on in years; what if they catch a chill?”

His grandma, Oriana, waved off the concern, “Nonsense, I’m as fit as a fiddle. Regina, dear, come sit by me, will you?”

The family took their seats, and although Regina was originally supposed to sit next to Nolan, his grandma’s invitation clearly meant a change of plans.

Nolan seemed reluctant; it was her first time visiting, and sitting next to Grandma would surely make her tense.

Oriana fixed them with a stern gaze, “What’s the matter? Afraid I’ll gobble up your bride?”

Regina turned back to Nolan and shook her head slightly, “Nolan doesn’t mean any disrespect. I am blessed to be seated by your side. Here, let me help you to your chair.”

With a natural grace, Regina took over the task from Oriana, pulling out the chair and assisting her to sit before settling herself beside her.

She said that as she threw Nolan a natural glance. It was like a moment of spontaneous intimacy they shared, which reassured the watching elders a little.

Even though the family was wealthy and didn’t mind supporting the Tanners, they still hoped Nolan would marry for love. It would be a hollow victory to spend a fortune only to gain a loveless union.

“You two give me peace of mind,” Oriana said with a content sigh. “Even if I were to close my eyes and pass on this very moment, I would go willingly. You just need to support each other and keep moving forward, that’s all!”

She took Regina’s hand tenderly in her own, “I’m aware of the troubles back at your folks’ place. Now that you’ve joined our family, you shouldn’t feel guilty about the past. Just start fresh with Nolan,”

The more magnanimous the elders were, the guiltier Regina felt. Despite their kindness, she knew they were being deceived.

For the rest of the visit, Regina remained quiet, attentively following the conversation and making sure everyone’s glasses were filled and fully playing the role of the dutiful granddaughter-in-law. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

They were busy so they didn’t prepare to stay long. And considering that she was newlywed and shouldn’t impose too much on her time with Nolan-they soon took their leave.

Only when they were in the car did Regina allow herself to breathe a sigh of relief, though a frown lingered on her brow. After some internal debate, she finally spoke up.

“Nolan, maybe we should just lay it all out for your family. They’ve been so kind to me; I feel awful about this.”

Nolan’s response was icy, “And you think they’d be pleased to hear about it now?”