The Kiss that Sparked it All

Imogen constantly patted Francis’s back, feigning casualness as she broached the subject, “First off, | think we need to call Regina back home. We've got to check with her if she’s really been bullied. If it’s true, then we've got to get a move on and talk to the police, right?”This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - ©.

Francis was stuck in between, “How am | supposed to even start that conversation? I’ve said it before, she shouldn’t have gone into journalism. She could’ve been living the easy life, but no, she had to chase stories, always at the mercy of others... And now look, she’s being picked on again.”

The thought of Regina being clutched at the ankle by some drunk made Francis’s heart twist in pain. “No, | need to bring her home and find out what's really going on. Even if there’s nothing to it, we’ve got to clear the air fast. Otherwise, Regina’s going to be dealing with people’s judgments.”

Imogen nodded in agreement, “You're right. But Regina’s so stubborn, she might not want to talk to us about it.” “She will when it matters. Regina’s always had her head on straight.”

With determination, Francis brought Imogen back to their mansion and dialed Regina’s number, asking her to come home for dinner.

“Just like you predicted, Dad’s asked me over for dinner tonight. You think it's going to be some kind of ambush?” Regina vented this to her bestie as soon as she got the call from her dad.

She didn’t care about anything else; she just worried her dad might use this as leverage to make her quit her job. For her, the journey as a journalist was just beginning.

Daphne was more concerned about Imogen and Madeline taking the opportunity to corner Regina.

“Oh, | can almost hear them now, spinning it like my reputation’s been ruined.” Regina said The more Regina played it cool, the more it hurt Daphne.

“If it comes to it, I'll call the newspaper tomorrow to get them to pull that story. Why should they get away with smearing you for no reason?” Daphne snapped.

Regina smiled. She was touched by the gesture, “It’s already been published. What’s the use of pulling it now? Whoever read it, remembers it. | bet there’s gossip flying around as we speak. But Daphne, I’m telling you, | don’t care about this. Rumors will always be there, and as long as I’m still a reporter, I'll have the chance to set things straight. There weren’t many journalists left that night, especially at that crucial moment. It could only have been a few colleagues I’ve crossed paths with.”

Daphne sighed on the other end, “I should never have let you watch all those career dramas when we were kids. Now you're too in love with journalism.”

Regina chuckled, “So, wish me luck. I’ve got so much on my plate. When things simmer down, let’s grab a meal together. | miss you.”

If it weren’t for friends like Daphne supporting her, Regina might have already crumbled, just as Imogen and Madeline had hoped.

Beyond following up with the developers, now she had to figure out who was trying to trip her up. Regina sighed deeply, fully aware of the rough road ahead.