The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2683

Daphne Olsen replied, [What? Didn’t your folks just wrap up a dinner party? And now another one? Can’t escape again like the last time, huh? If you go, I’ll go.]

Regina texted, [Yeah. This time, my dad made it clear: no escapes. Seriously, if I have to sit through another one of these shindigs tomorrow night alone, I’ll be squirming in my seat the whole time.]

[Brace yourself for the matchmaking mayhem!] Daphne joked.

Regina’s frown deepened as she texted back, [I’m not kidding. I’d rather run laps around the track than sit through that dinner. It’s so dull, facing a bunch of guys I don’t know, all wearing their phony smiles like masks. We’re all trapped in this charade-why put us through it?]

Daphne sent a hugging emoji, her digital embrace a small comfort. [I don’t get it either. Why is your father in such a rush? You’re only twenty, for heaven’s sake-the prime of your life!]

[It’s all because of that mother-daughter duo whispering poison in my dad’s ear. You know how he is-soft as dough. Imogen’s been filling his head with tales of who’s getting engaged and how I haven’t even dated yet. That gets him all worked up, thinking there’s something wrong with me.]

Regina could only vent so freely about them to her closest friend.

should worry more about her own daughter, who’s flunking at

might slip through her fingers. But Madeline wasn’t even a Tanner by birth, so why did she act as if

up the antics of

don’t care much for those things, but what’s mine is mine, and I won’t let go. Don’t forget, you better show up tomorrow to

friend promise before finally signing

anymore-come hell or

with the Tanner family at 6 PM. I’ve prepared your evening attire,” the secretary said as she laid the invitation next

at it and quipped. “The Tanners again? Francis has been

be about Regina’s

of

look up from the contract he

into marriage. But Francis is probably listening to pillow talk. Imogen’s been