The Kiss that Sparked it All

Francis’ gaze lingered in contemplation before he finally withdrew it. “Well, that’s good to hear. Don’t let me find out you’ve been in touch with people you shouldn’t be,” he said with a hint of sternness.

“You’re well aware of the lengths I went to when I pulled you out of that place. You promised me, swore on your word, that you’d never look back at the people and events of your past.

I believe I’ve fulfilled my duties to you and your mother over the years. Haven’t I always provided whatever you desired?

And I don’t want to hear about the past, especially from you, Regina. Don’t think you can do whatever you please just because you’re my daughter. You haven’t even apologized for the incident earlier. Where did you learn to throw your silverware around like that? Back home, you were always so obedient. How come you’ve changed so much since marrying into the Harris family? How are you supposed to set a good example for your sister now?” “Dad, are you getting senile? Since when do I have a sister? Don’t tell me you’ve gone and treated someone else’s daughter as your own flesh and blood. Am I expected to look after not only the child in her belly but someone else’s daughter, too?”

“Sis, I know it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have dawdled upstairs and upset you. It’s all on me. Please, don’t push Dad any further. I’m more than grateful to be living here with the Tanner family. How could I dare hope for your care in the future? I promise I won’t cause any trouble for the Harris family.

That’s your husband’s family. We could never show our faces if we embarrassed you i front of my brother-in-law.”

“What do you mean cause trouble? Supporting each other is what families do! Isn’t Regina’s husband part of our family now?”

“No, Sis told me I mustn’t get involved with her husband. The Harrises would look down on us, not to mention the trouble it would cause her. I understand that perfectly well, and I’ll make sure to keep my distance from both my sister and brother-in-law in the future.”

Regina crossed her arms. She couldn’t recall when she’d given such a lengthy lecture. She never mentioned Nolan to Madeline, yet Madeline seemed fixated on her husband, likely scheming something as usual.

If today’s spat had been merely a squabble between Regina and Madeline, it would’ve been trivial. But Madeline’s words had struck a nerve with Francis, making him feel as if his pride had been wounded. How could Madeline suggest that Regina was troubled by her own family’s actions?

Wasn’t Regina’s marriage to the Harris family due to the favors he, as her father, had called in? Had he not swallowed his pride and begged the Harrises to save his daughter from scandal, would they have even noticed her existence? Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Yet now, hardly settled into her new family, Regina seemed to prioritize her in-laws’ interests over her own family’s welfare. This was the polar opposite of Francis’ intentions when he had arranged her marriage – it was all to gain leverage over Nolan. Now, before Nolan had even raised an objection, Regina was already saying it couldn’t be done!

“What’s your place, anyway? Your husband hasn’t even spoken up, and you’re already laying down the law. Raising you hasn’t been easy for me. Do you want to see our family fall into ruin? How did I end up with a daughter so ungrateful and cold-hearted?”