The Kiss that Sparked it All

“Remember, okay? Tonight, at the dinner party, you need to play the sweet and obedient little angel. The more adorable and meek you are, the more it’ll contrast Regina’s wild and untamed spirit. Then let’s see who’ll dare to take that girl!”

Imogen was smug with her plan, and Madeline chimed in, “Mom, you can count on me. Haven’t I always been the picture of grace in front of others? Besides, I think Dad’s been playing favorites with us lately, so there’s no need to worry about the future.

Sure, Regina has her maternal grandparents’ family, but at this point, they don’t seem too fond of her. Who knows? Maybe their relationship isn’t even that strong! And her mother died so early. She doesn’t have the luck I do, having you as my amazing mom. With you by my side, I’ll always have a rock to lean on.”

Imogen pulled her daughter into a comforting embrace. “I can’t let my guard down until you marry into a family that’s our equal in status and wealth.”

Her biggest concern was Regina’s marriage prospects. Despite Regina’s mother having left this world early, people still remembered her connection to her maternal family, and they all seemed to think that the Tanner family had just one young lady, and that was Regina.

As Madeline’s mother, how could she allow Regina to hog all of the Tanner family’s spotlight? She had been the Tanner family’s darling for so many years; it was time for someone else to take a turn.

Regina, for her part, had never given much thought to the rivalry. She didn’t care much for the position. But if someone was coming for her crown, that was a different story altogether.

The moment Regina, dressed to the nines, stepped out of the studio, all the staff stopped in their tracks, unable to take their eyes off her.

Talon leaned against the door frame, a smirk on his face. “Told you so. Every time you grace our studio, they turn into statues. Pick up your jaws, people; we can’t have them rolling on the floor.” Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

One of the stylists was practically swooning. “Oh my gosh, Regina, you’re breathtaking, like a goddess in the flesh. Boss, when can I do Regina’s makeup? If I could work on a masterpiece of a face like hers, I could die happy!”

Regina, ever poised, smiled softly. “If you’re really into it, next time I come in, you can do my makeup.”

The room erupted. “Really, Regina? Are you serious? I’m gonna hold you to that! I’ll clear my schedule; just say when, and I’ll deliver the best makeup job of my life. Let me have that experience.”

The other staff members were just as eager, giving Talon puppy-dog eyes. Sure, turning ordinary folks into stars was one thing, but to apply makeup on a flawless canvas like Regina’s was a whole different ball game. They all wanted to experience the joy of creation without boundaries.

Unfortunately for them, every time Regina needed a makeover, Talon had exclusive rights, including her current outfit-a body-hugging gown. What had seemed unassuming on the rack transformed into a showstopper on Regina, as if it had been tailor-made for her.

She moved with a shimmering grace as if wearing the Milky Way itself, further accentuating her ethereal aura.

“No wonder, Boss, you were so adamant about shooting this bespoke piece. I thought it was a special request from a client. But it was for Regina all along. Now it all makes. sense.”

Regina smiled at Talon, who, even when he was traveling, occasionally found inspiration in Regina for some unique and whimsical dresses. He would snap them up and bring them back for her to wear.