The Kiss that Sparked it All

She was already in a foul mood when her phone buzzed with a message from her friend Daphne that nearly made her jaw drop: [What the-? What happened, were you harassed last night?]

The news article Daphne sent featured a photo of her in the clutches of a drunken man. How on earth did it make the front page? And the headline was explosive: [Boozehound Brawl with Female Reporter in Fracas. Exclusive and Freshest Report Inside.]

Regina shivered, a chill running through her as if she’d been dunked into an ice-cold cellar. She had indeed given that drunk a piece of her mind last night without giving him an inch, but the photo looked quite intimate. And with the suggestive language used in the report... she couldn't bear to think of her father’s reaction upon seeing the news.

Seeing that Regina hadn’t responded, Daphne didn’t hesitate to call, “What in the world happened? That's really you in the article? You were harassed and you didn’t tell me?”

Daphne was frantic with worry, fearing her best friend had been mistreated yet was suffering in silence.

Regina’s voice quivered as she swallowed hard before replying, “Are there any other photos? Did they mention | thrashed the drunk?”

Daphne was silent for a moment, then finally said, “No, nothing like that. The article just goes on about you and that man... fooling around in public.”

She bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable to say that out.

“So, you weren't bullied, right?” Daphne was desperate for confirmation, and when Regina assured her she hadn't been, Daphne’s heart finally settled back into place.

“But what the heck happened? Why were you still out so late?”

“| was interviewing a key witness, waiting for him to spill the beans. And in that case, garner exclusive scoop material. | had no idea that this drunk latched on to me.

But you know me. | don’t fold that easily. | bode my nausea, fought back when | saw the chance. Who would’ve thought someone would snap pictures at that hour? What on earth were they thinking? And how could they even post such photos online? They’re staining my reputation!”

Daphne sighed, “Honey, could you maybe not put yourself in those situations late at night? What's this job, paying a few bucks a month really worth to you? Why are you going all out for it?”

Regina pursed her lips, “It’s not about the money, of course. But when all the other reporters left, | stayed. | couldn’t just give up so easily. What if that was the moment he decided to talk? If I’d walked away, it would’ve been such a waste. Oh, Daphne, what should | do now? Dad’s going to see this and insist | quit.”

Daphne was genuinely concerned, “Your dad’s probably more worried about you than angry, not wanting you in such a risky job. But if Imogen and her daughter see it...” She sighed, “I’m afraid they'll make a fuss about this. Better brace yourself.”

Regina was only concerned her, father might use this as an excuse to make her quit her job, but she didn’t care what Imogen might say. After all, she was still standing strong; what could they possibly do to her?

But Regina had underestimated the power of gossip.© NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

That very afternoon, Imogen, clutching the newspaper and teetering on her high heels, rushed into Francis’s office in a flurry of distress.