The Kiss that Sparked it All

“Imogen had talked with me before swapping out that old painting, and | figured she had a point. After all, there were four of us in the house now, right? Hanging that grandiose piece in the living room wasn’t exactly flattering for Imogen. If anyone else saw it, wouldn't they start gossiping about our family? | thought her suggestion made a lot of sense. Plus, you could hang that painting over the headboard in your room, couldn’t you? | remember your room’s walls are pretty bare.”

Francis’s agreement to let Imogen replace the painting only twisted the knife in Regina’s heart. It was as if he had already relegated their family to the past, while she was still clinging to the memories.

“Are you not getting what I’m saying? It’s gone, and | can’t find it! Even if Mom has left you, that doesn’t mean you should forget her completely. That painting was a reminder of us, the three of us. How could you just stand by and watch her take it down?“

Francis’s expression darkened. He hated when people accused him of not cherishing the past, especially after he had swiftly remarried to Imogen.

Strangers saying such things was one thing, but his own daughter accusing him of being heartless was another. Wasn't he trying to give Regina a complete family?

“It's gone, so it’s gone. It was just one of your little doodles, not worth much anyway.”

Francis seemed callous, even stepping away from Regina, losing that fatherly tendernes he had just moments before.

“There are things | haven't said because | thought you were grown-up enough to understand. But | never expected you to be so childish. It makes sense that Imogen wants to replace that painting... Years have passed, and you should learn to accept reality. No matter how much you kick and scream, your mother isn’t coming back.”

Regina felt her heart turn ice cold. “What do you mean? I’m not a child. | know Mom’s not coming back, but can’t | hold on to memories of her? You said you wanted to marry Imogen. Have | objected? You claimed it was for my sake, but have you ever considered that | didn’t need someone else to take Mom’s place? You've always been so selfish. It’s not about me, it’s about you. Now for your new family, you’re eager to marry me off, aren’t you? | should've realized it sooner. This is just who you are.”

“How dare you!” Francis erupted in fury, glaring at Regina. He suddenly saw her as a stranger, realizing he didn’t know when she had grown so tall.

Her defiant stance, head held high against him reminded him of someone else. In the end, his hand raised in anger fell back to his side.

“You've disappointed me greatly!”Content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Regina cried out, “You've disappointed me too! You’re not a good father.”

Since no one would help her look for the painting, she’d search for it herself.

Thunder rumbled as a downpour began outside.

Watching Regina rush out into the rain, Francis took a few steps to follow but then stopped himself.

“She needs to learn how tough life can be without the comfort | provide.” Yet, his fists were clenched tight, his gaze fixed on Regina.

Emma, the family cook who had been with them for years, stepped out with tears brimming in her eyes, worried for the girl she had watched grow up.