The Kiss that Sparked it All

Old man Francis had the spice of experience in his veins, and Regina, try as she might, couldn’t twist her way out of her father’s iron grasp.

Nolan, with a nonchalant expression, tapped twice on the tabletop and silenced Regina mid-sentence.

“Enough,” he drawled. “I haven’t got all day to watch your duet. Since the Harris family has given their word on this marriage, rest assured, I’ll follow through. You just sit pretty at your place and wait for me to come and fetch you on the big day. Just don’t get your hopes up for anything else.”

Regina, her face a mask of sorrow, even silently begged him to stay as she watched him stand and leave. But after being played one too many times by her and her old man, how could Nolan trust her again?

Francis, on the other hand, was beaming as if he had finally got what he wanted.

“Ah, young love,” he added, “You two are a match made in heaven. No need to blame me for playing a little hardball. If I didn’t make that quick decision, how would you two lovebirds have ever gotten together?

And let’s not forget, my Regina’s got a bit of a crush on you, eh? As for the wedding bells and whistles, none of that matters!”

Regina wouldn’t meet his gaze any longer; she hung her head completely to try to hide all her pain.

How could she lift her head in the presence of Nolan with such a humiliating father? Even if Nolan could believe that she had nothing to do with today’s farce, she was done trying to explain herself.

It was her fault, after all. If Nolan had never known or met the Tanners, he wouldn’t have gotten entangled with such a mess.

He was a young and handsome man from a really good family. Tons of girls wanted to marry him.

He had all the chances to pick a girl he truly liked, but now, because of her, his life was in shambles. She had wrecked the life of the man she cared for.

Once Nolan had left the room, Regina remained with her head bowed as Francis watched big tears splatter into the cup before her.

“That’s enough theatrics. He’s gone now, so who are you trying to impress with this sad act?” His tone was one of impatience.

Regina couldn’t believe her ears. Was this something a father would say to his daughter?

With her face streaked with tears, she looked up, “Dad, how bad are things at home that you would stoop to such lows of forcing a man who doesn’t even like me to marry me? What are you thinking about? Didn’t I say I’d go out and drum up investments if you’d just let Nolan be? Is there really no other way?”

Francis frowned. He was also irritated, “What do you know? You think you’ve got the golden touch? Investments don’t just fall into your lap. Only if you marry into the Harris family will they fully back the Tanner Group. Just think of our family, if you don’t care about yourself, will you?

You are not the only member in Tanners. Imogen’s got a little brother on the way. When he’s born, he shouldn’t be welcomed by a failing Tanner clan. Besides, when he grows up, he’ll need a lot of things prepared for him. He’s a boy and all.”

Francis rambled on, his every calculation for the sake of his unborn son.

Regina covered her ears, “The baby isn’t even born yet. You don’t even know if it’s a boy and you’re already planning his life. Does only a son count as your child? Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Am I not your daughter? All I wanted was a last shred of dignity. Even if I had to beg the Harris family for money, I’d do it. But why, why did you have to resort to such means?”

“What’s wrong with a little strategy? You’re still hung up on the lad, aren’t you?”