The Kiss that Sparked it All

After the room emptied, Madeline quietly leaned closer and whispered, “Mom, don’t you think you’re overreacting? Even if Dad accidentally hit you, he’s apologized so much. Why can’t you forgive him?”

Imogen, however, shared with her, “Do you know what? The moment he hit me, I was reminded of him.”

“Who?” Madeline asked nonchalantly.

“The man responsible for us living in that damp, dark basement for years. Your biological father.”

Imogen took Madeline’s hand, “I know you don’t like hearing about the past, but it’s time you knew about him. He struggled with his business and often took out his frustrations on me, especially after drinking. That’s when I met Francis. That was how I was determined to be with him. He gave me the strength to leave and promised a better life, leaving the hell behind.

“But to think he would raise a hand to me… Can you imagine? My supposed savior getting more and more similar to that demon. How can I not be scared?”

Madeline was too young to remember Domingo Skinner’s abuse, as she would be locked away in a small room during those times. So, she couldn’t fully grasp what her mother was saying.

“Mom, are you just anxious because of the pregnancy? I saw Dad, and he was genuinely remorseful. He just lost his temper because of Regina, that witch.”

“Don’t you see? Now’s our chance! With Regina pushing Dad away, it’s the perfect time for us to step in.”

Madeline was all eyes for Nolan, even now urging Imogen to help her make Dad invite Regina over more often.

But Imogen couldn’t let her daughter continue unchecked.

“Let that idea go. I won’t allow it.” Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Why not? Aren’t you my real mom? Why won’t you help me?”

Madeline looked at her in disbelief.

“Sweetie, of course, I am your mom. I love you, I’d give you the world if I could. But Nolan and the Harris family are out of our league. Didn’t you see how your dad was around him? They don’t even consider the Tanner family worthy. He barely agreed to dine with us to take Regina back. If not for her, he wouldn’t step foot here. Drop these unrealistic fantasies, and you were too obvious at dinner. He didn’t glance your way once. He’s not into you, Madeline. It’s time to face reality.”

Madeline couldn’t handle the truth. She furiously shrugged off her mother’s hand and said, “You just don’t want to help, thinking it’s too much trouble. Sure, getting Nolan’s attention is tough, but what do I lack? I’m as pretty as Regina, if not more. Why should that witch get the better man? Can’t you see the awkward tension between them?”