The Kiss that Sparked it All

Nolan even held out his hands in a gesture of peace, his eyes betrayed nothing but disdain. In that moment, Regina felt utterly defeated, even contemplating a hasty retreat from the confines of his office.

Rejection was one thing Regina could handle, but being looked down upon was another matter entirely, especially by someone like Nolan, who he had briefly thought well of.

Regina stood up abruptly, clutching her purse. Thanks for the reality check, Mr. Harris,” she said with biting clarity. “l might have mistakenly thought we had become acquainted after our little chat. Since you're not interested in granting me an interview, | won't impose any further. Best wishes to you and Dahlia for a lifetime of wedded bliss!”

With that, she left the CEO’s office without looking back, leaving Nolan gaping in her wake. Hadn’t she been the one at fault? How was it now that he seemed to be the one in the wrong?

Regina had put on such a strong front in front of Nolan, but once alone in the elevator, her head sagged, and the smile that had been on her lips faltered.

“Why me?” she muttered to herself, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. “Why does it always seem like I’m the one people push around? Do really look that easy to bully?”

In the department, Regina was the only rookie, and it seemed that made her an easy target.

But did being the new girl mean she had to endure such humiliation? She found herse missing her dad more than ever. Even though she’d have to face her stepmother and stepsister at home, the thought of her father’s comforting presence was too much to resist. Ignoring everything else, she drove straight home.

As soon as Regina walked through the door, she knew something was amiss.

The Tanner family’s hallway and living room were usually adorned with a multitude of paintings. Her mother had been an art enthusiast and had collected many pieces, partly as a legacy for Regina.

Regina had shown talent in art from a young age, but unfortunately, she had no passion for it. A particular drawing of a family of three that she had made in her childhood had always hung in the center of the living room, even long after her mother had passed away.

Now, in its place, hung a painting by some unknown artist, likely snapped up at some obscure auction.

Bypassing Imogen, who was lounging on the couch sipping mulled wine prepared by the maid, Regina frantically searched the hallway and living room for her painting, to no avail.

Imogen, who had been enjoying her wine, was annoyed by Regina’s sudden return. Still, of being a caring stepmother. “Regina, you're home,” she cooed. “Have she put on you eaten yet?”

But Regina barely acknowledged her. She was fixated on the missing painting.Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

Imogen rolled her eyes inwardly. She thought Regina was undisciplined and rude — a stark contrast to her own daughter’s docile and sweet nature. If her daughter Madeline had been raised in the Tanner family from the start, Imogen was convinced she would have surpassed Regina by miles.

Regina didn’t care what Imogen thought. All she knew was that the painting symbolizing their family was gone.

She whirled around, anger flashing in her eyes. “Where is the painting that used to hang. here?” she demanded. “Who gave you permission to touch my art? Do you even understand art? Do you know who the artist is whose work you've so carelessly hung? Can you please stop meddling in things you know nothing about? I’m begging you, stop pretending!”

Imogen’s face soured. She didn’t understand art, and indeed, she had bought the new painting because it looked decent enough and was cheap. She had thought it a perfect opportunity to replace the irritating family portrait in the living room. But now Regina was confronting her so aggressively, looking down on her with such contempt.