The Kiss that Sparked it All

Regina suddenly turned to him, flashing a smile tinged with unmistakable sorrow.

“It’s a good thing you’re my audience, Nolan. Anyone else might think I’m just whining about nothing. Being born into a family like this and still feeling so down, sounds. ridiculous, doesn’t it?”

Nolan remained silent, his face free of any mocking expression.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, “We can’t choose our birth or family, but what we do have control over is our own destiny. If you only see the chains that the surname ‘Tanner’ has placed on you, then you’ll be trapped by them for life. But if you can see the leverage it gives you, then your life could be quite different. Of course, Ms. Tanner, you’re already working hard towards your goals. Maybe you’re just momentarily disheartened, and you don’t need anyone else to dictate what your life should be.”

Regina was taken aback, not expecting such a heartfelt conversation from their less than pleasant introduction.

“Thank you, I mean it. I didn’t expect you to be so comforting. You saw it earlier; this house isn’t the same one I grew up in. Often, I feel powerless against what it’s become.

Maybe that’s why I’ve been so despondent. You’re right, though, the Tanner name has brought me many things, like wealth, perhaps?”

With a playful arch of her brow, Regina teased, prompting a laugh from Nolan. “You can still joke, that’s a good sign, Ms. Tanner.”

“Well, Mr. Harris, you’re much wittier than I imagined. If it weren’t for our awkward start, we might have been great friends. But as I said before, if I didn’t do something, then I didn’t do it. Maybe you can check your end to see if Dahlia left your seat mixed up.”

Regina’s candor was refreshing to Nolan, who hadn’t spoken so freely with someone in long time. Her straightforwardness spared him the task of interpreting hidden meanings which he found quite liberating.

“Since you have suggested it, I will definitely look into it. If it’s a misunderstanding, I hope we can clear it up the next time we meet.”

Regina nodded. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon.”

She thought about the exclusive interview she could now pursue, not to mention the simmering tension between him and Dahlia.

“Mr. Harris, you’ve been out here for quite some time. How about we go back in for a glass of red wine? It’s a vintage my mother saved for me when I was young-very precious indeed.”

“Well, if you insist, I must try it, Ms. Tanner.”

Regina was reluctant to share her mother’s treasured wine, but Nolan’s earlier advice had genuinely taken her by surprise. Yet, she knew that in the cutthroat world of business, a man like Nolan wouldn’t have climbed to his position by being naive.

And it was evident he kept his cards close to his chest.

Meanwhile, Madeline was searching the hall for Nolan. After mingling with Imogen and a few familiar faces, she had been on the lookout for him, only to find him nowhere.

As Nolan stepped back through the French doors from the balcony, Madeline caught sight of him. Her face lit up with a sweet smile, her gown rustling as she picked up the hem and grabbed a bottle of red wine on her way to him

But what she hadn’t anticipated was the gentlemanly gesture he was making— not for her, but for Regina, who had emerged from the shadows behind him!NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.