The Kiss that Sparked it All

Nolan watched the drama unfold before him, shaking his head with a wry smile. What a circus, he mused.

Regina’s life seemed to be less than ideal, constantly dealing with two drama queens. No wonder she was eager to move out as soon as she hit 18.

He thought the truth was crystal clear, but Francis, with a stern face, strode forward and confronted his daughter. “Regina, why on earth are you bullying your sister?”

Imogen was beside herself with tears, stumbling to her knees in front of Madeline, caressing her face and searching her body for injuries. “Madeline, tell me if there’s anywhere else that hurts.”

Madeline sniffled and shook her head, casting a timid glance at Regina, who quickly averted her gaze. It was as if she had lied under the pressure of Regina’s intimidating presence. Regina was at a loss for words.

“Dad, did you even see what happened? Why are you blaming me? Do you have any idea what she did? Why do you come at me with accusations right off the bat?”

Francis’s face was like set stone. “No matter what Madeline did, you must never resort to violence. Have you forgotten all the manners I’ve taught you? The phrase ‘sibling harmony’ doesn’t ring a bell?”

Regina scoffed coldly. “Her? I’m hardly obliged to play nice with her.”

Just then, Imogen amped up her crying, playing the part perfectly. “Regina, I know you don’t like Madeline, but she’s still your sister in name. She’s still young. What if you really hurt her? I’m not asking for much; I’ve been good to you, hoping you’d be kind to my daughter. Why can’t you show a little empathy?”

Francis, hearing the wails, turned around, crouching down with concern to examine Madeline. “Sweetie, Madeline, tell me if you’re hurting anywhere. We’ll go straight to the hospital if we need to.” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Regina watched the three in their heartwarming scene, her fists clenched.

Wasn’t Francis her father too? Why was he so quick to blame her and coddle someone else’s child?

“Daddy, I’m really okay; please don’t be mad at Regina.”

The absurdity of it all. Regina’s biological father was playing the doting parent to another woman’s child while she, his own flesh and blood, was pushed aside. If it weren’t for Nolan’s presence, she might have burst into derisive laughter.

After helping Madeline to her feet, Francis gave Regina a look of frustrated disapproval. “Since Madeline says she’s fine, we’ll leave it at that. Regina, I have to tell you, you’re not getting any younger, and your temper is getting out of hand. Sometimes, I feel like I can’t even control you anymore.”

Regina crossed her arms and let out a cold laugh. “Oh, why bother with me? Just look after someone else’s daughter, and that’ll do!”

Francis, catching sight of Nolan still standing there, swallowed his retort.

“We’ll discuss our family matters later. Come, let me introduce you to Mr. Nolan Harris from the Harris Group. Mr. Harris, I apologize for this little scene. Having two girls close in age at home often leads to spats, and as their father, it’s my duty to step in.”