The Kiss that Sparked it All

Imogen had been by Francis’s side for so many years, and she knew him like the back of her hand. So, when she started crying up a storm, true to form, he began to waver.

But before Francis could even utter a word, Regina’s eyes welled up as she chimed in again, “Dad, I know Madeline is still just a kid, and we can’t take her words to heart, but I’m certain she wouldn’t say such things unless someone taught her to.

I get it, times change, and now you guys are a family, but my mom was part of this household too. Why do I have to put up with people pointing fingers at me, saying I’m the kid without a mom? Dad…”

Regina’s tears became more heartfelt as she went on, and eventually, there was a genuine sadness in her weeping.

Somewhere deep down, she felt like her soul and body were split in two. Watching this drama unfold as if from above, she found the whole thing so eerie and ironic. Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

Yet, she had no choice but to play out this scene in front of her dad or else her path forward would only become even steeper.

Imogen’s forged sobbing softened as she covertly sized up Regina. The girl was starting to backfire on her.

Regina was implying that if it wasn’t for Imogen’s influence, her daughter would never have insulted her by calling her motherless.

With that in mind, Imogen’s cries grew louder, “Regina, what are you saying? I never planned to replace your mom. From the day I met you, I was determined to be a good mother.

I have my own kids, and I know how you must feel. But how could you say such things about me? Even as an adult, I can feel hurt. Consider it my debt to you, and please, don’t weave these tales in front of your father anymore, okay?

And if possible, I wish you’d quit that reporter job. Do you have any idea what people saying about your father and me? They’re painting us as heartless, kicking you out.”

Imogen clutched at her chest, her eyes misty as she faced Francis, “I don’t dare defend myself in front of those strangers at all. I fear any word I say would only paint me as the wicked stepmother. I have no choice but to swallow their taunts.”

Just then, Madeline burst into tears. She ran to Imogen’s side and clang to her mother, sobbing uncontrollably with her, “I’m so sorry, sis, it’s all my fault. I’ve been listening to too much gossip at school, and that’s why I was rude to you. Mom never taught me to talk like that. She’s always telling me to look up to you, to be like you, and that’s why I felt resentful. Sis, please stop slandering my mom

After crying for a while, she ran over to Francis, “Dad, you’re the only dad I have, and she’s the only sister I have. It was my fault earlier, and I promise not to do it again. I’m sorry, Dad, can you please not have any regrets?”

Francis’s heart had softened by half due to their crying act, and he couldn’t help but reach out to pat her shoulder, “Girls, let’s just say Dad was scaring you earlier. Come on, help your mom back to her room to rest. Your sister and I have other things to discuss.”

Madeline, still sniffling, wiped away her tears and even managed a brave smile before helping Imogen back to their room.

Once inside, Imogen straightened up instantly. She hurried to the vanity, delicately dabbed away her tears with a tissue, and touched up her makeup.

“Why’d you have to say that of all things, especially in front of her? Now Francis has caught us red- handed. Your mom’s getting on in years, and I can’t always be the one to cry on cue. If this keeps up, I can’t guarantee my face will hold up!”

Madeline, sitting on the edge of her bed with a look of disdain, retorted, “Who knew

Regina had it in her to play such games? I always thought she wouldn’t shed a tear even if her bones were broken, yet there she was, crying a river in front of me.”