The Kiss that Sparked it All

After speaking her piece, Imogen walked away without a backward glance, not showing any signs of attachment or regret. She was carrying the future she and Francis hoped for within her, so how could she possibly place all her bets on Madeline?

Since the girl was proving to be disobedient, Imogen decided to put her hopes in the son she was carrying instead.

Madeline liked running off to Domingo, didn’t she? Well, then she could spend the rest of her life with him. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

After all, raising this daughter had drained her of her energy.

Madeline’s early years were Imogen’s responsibility; it was only fair that Domingo takes over for the latter half.

The only consolation Nolan had was that Domingo hadn’t played any tricks on him; it seemed he genuinely cared for his daughter.

Nolan led his team directly to the dilapidated house.

They had cautiously chosen a rundown house in a remote village.

When he burst through the door, he found Regina, small and alone, lying on the gr neglected.

The others waited for Domingo’s command; without it, they wouldn’t dare make a

But before they knew it, a swarm of police officers had them surrounded.

It was a loss indeed.

Regina held on, but after what felt like ages, why hadn’t anyone come for her? Though hadn’t been drugged, her consciousness was fading.

Yet, in the depths of her confusion, she sensed Nolan had come for her, though she coul only faintly hear car engines roaring on distant roads.

She sighed internally; if she had known this would be her fate, she would have confessed her feelings to Nolan much sooner.

She had wanted to tell Nolan how much she liked him, more than he could possibly imagine.

But family complications had always held her back, and now, not knowing whether she would make it out alive, she deeply regretted her hesitation.

Life was too short for such delays.

Even though the Tanner family had trapped her they wouldn’t hold her forever.

Why couldn’t she be more courageous?

Nolan had given her so many chances, every time he took her out for a meal, and saw the relaxed smile on her face, he couldn’t bring himself to pressure her.

Regina knew Nolan cared too much to push her, so she kept backing down, too cowardly to face her feelings.

Tears rolled down Regina’s cheek, wetting the dusty ground.

“Regina, wake up, will you?”

Regina saw Nolan approaching, his hands gently cradling her neck. “This isn’t a dream, is it? You’ve come to save me!”

Nolan, looking at her state, felt a pain so intense he almost cried. “This isn’t a dream. I’m here to save you.”

But Regina was still dazed, unable to distinguish reality from her dreams. “I know I might not be able to walk out of here unscathed now, I should’ve confessed to you sooner.”