The Kiss that Sparked it All

Regina furrowed her brow, a hint of defiance in her voice. “If a silly piece of gossip is enough to cast doubts on my character, then maybe | shouldn’t be marrying that man at

all. Besides, it’s the 21st century; everyone has a past to some extent. Only a complete dinosaur would fret over whether someone’s been in a relationship before. Dad, don’t tell me you're that kind of dinosaur?”NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

“Where on earth are you taking this? Is having an ex the same as being defiled by some vagrant? I’m telling you, you better clean up this mess quick, or you can kiss your journalism career goodbye!”

“Dad!” With a decisive wave of his hand, Francis had made up his mind.

He had been too lenient with her, and now she seemed to take her own reputation too lightly. Regina could enjoy her freedom, but it all hinged on not jeopardizing her future prospects.

Francis looked at his daughter, now tall enough to reach his chin, and all he could think about was her future. She was too young to understand that he was planning for her. Maybe with a few more years, she’d understand the tough love.

Regina could barely contain her frustration. “Dad, you’re meddling with my life! You promised me a year to prove myself in journalism, and if | succeeded, you’d let me be. But now, before the year is up, you're intervening? How is this fair?

“When | agreed, | didn’t know you’d wind up creating this kind of headline! You've barely written a handful of stories, and now you're the scandal on the front page. Does that look good to you?

Aren't you even a little concerned about the Tanner family’s reputation? Regina Tanner reduced to this-what would the shareholders think? And what about the people who've invested in Tanner Group stocks?”

“At the end of the day, it’s not about me you care for, but your company. If it weren’t for the stock prices taking a hit, would you even care about that homeless guy pinning me down? I’ve been home for a while now, and not once have you asked how | got away night or what happened afterward... Dad, you really are the best, aren't you?” Regina choked back tears.

that

Regina knew she shouldn't care so much, but inside, she couldn’t help but feel aggrieved. Why did that stranger have to change her father so much?

7/2

14:34

Francis, his voice hoarse, found himself at a loss for words. “You're here, safe and sound, which means you must have...”

“| must have what? Since | got home, not once have you asked me anything. | get it. After Mom passed, it was only a matter of time before you would need someone; you’d get lonely.

But never did | imagine that in forgetting Mom, you'd also forget your own daughter. Sometimes, | really wonder if I’m even your daughter at all.”

“Preposterous!” Francis slammed his palm on the coffee table. “When have | ever forgotten your mother? | have never forgotten

her.

Regina couldn't help but scoff at the sentiment. If he hadn’t forgotten her mother, how could he share his bed with another woman?

Or is it that men are just naturally gifted at saying one thing while their hearts wander elsewhere? “I've spoiled you too much.”

Turning her face away, Regina wiped her tears. “Let’s just leave it at that. I'll handle this mess, and | won't let it affect the Tanner Group stocks.”