The Kiss that Sparked it All

“So she was just putting on a show for Dad, huh? She’s got some nerve. Spending a year away from home, she’s really starting to put on airs. I wonder what kind of man she’s trying to lure with those tricks.”

Imogen, massaging her cheeks with a face roller, retorted, “Why bother with who she’s trying to attract? Rest assured, Mom will definitely find her a suitable match.”

The two women exchanged a knowing look and chuckled.

“My dear mother, make sure you find her a good one, and Dad mustn’t catch on.”

“Of course, I’m the kindest stepmother around. I can’t let people speak ill of me, can I?”

“With you in charge, I have nothing to worry about.” Madeline smiled.

“Alright, they’re gone. Why are you still standing there stiff as a board?” Francis settled into the couch, brushing nonexistent dust off his knees, and gestured for his daughter to sit beside him.

Regina, however, remained rigid and unmoving!

“What’s the matter? Do I, as your father, have to beg you to come over?” Francis put on quite the act of authority, and Regina, thinking of the upcoming discussion about a certain piece of news, finally compromised and sat next to him.

“Dad, why did you call me back? I was in the middle of following up on a story.” Regina said.

Just mentioning Regina’s job seemed to make Francis see red, “Do you really have to be that crappy journalist? Look at you, covered in dirt and grime – that’s not the Regina I know. You’re our eldest, my

only daughter, and you should be setting an example!”

Regina shot back with a nonchalant glance, “As you said, I’m the only daughter in the family. Who am I supposed to be setting an example for?”

“You-” No matter how clueless Francis was, he wouldn’t mention in Regina’s presence that Madeline was also his daughter. Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

After all, he made a clear distinction between them. Indulging her in words was one thing, but when it came to serious matters, he knew where to draw the line.

“Fine, let’s drop it. Do you have any idea how people out there are speculating about me? That news story has made things even worse. Just the other night at the dinner party, I was sizing up suitors for you. You’re in your twenties now; it’s time to settle down. But you had to go and create this scandal at the worst possible time!” Francis was so exasperated he slammed his hand on the coffee table again and again, enough to make

Regina wince for her father’s sake.

“Dad, don’t tell me you can’t see that someone’s intentionally trying to smear me.” She answered.

Hearing Regina’s calm response only infuriated Francis further.

“I can see that, but can everyone else? They’ll think you’ve been sullied by some vagrant, but you’re just an innocent girl. Why should you suffer such slander for no reason? Don’t you care about your own reputation? If your future in-laws see this news, what will they think? It’s bound to cast a shadow of doubt in their minds!”