âYouâre a Tanner now, and your grades reflect on the entire Tanner family, sweetheart. If your grades slip, itâs not just you who looks bad, but the whole family! We canât have that, can we? Sweet Madeline, listen to me, okay? Just stay in and hit the books, keep me company, will you?â Imogen pleaded, holding her daughterâs hand tightly, refusing to let her leave.
Lately, Imogen felt uneasy, her anxiety levels through the roof every time Madeline mentioned going out. She couldnât shake the feeling that something big was about to happen.
But Madeline firmly pulled away. âDonât worry, Mom, Iâm just heading out to grab some books. Iâll be back before you know it. If it makes you feel better, Iâll FaceTime you, okay?â The more Madeline resisted, the more Imogen was convinced her daughter was hiding something. But what could she do, especially now, heavily pregnant?
Soon, Regina would come downstairs, and theyâd have to share a meal, a task that became increasingly difficult for Imogen whenever Regina was at the table. The feeling, it seemed, was mutual.
Yet, for the sake of gathering more information, she continued to dine with the family.
Regina, however, never compromised on treating herself well, especially since Nolan seemed to know exactly what she was up to. Every time she returned from the Tanner household, Nolan would whisk her off in his car, exploring the cityâs culinary delights. From fancy hotels to hole-in-the-wall diners, Nolan knew them all.
With each outing, Regina found herself understanding and, paradoxically, growing attached to him.
And deep down, Regina couldnât help but wonder: Did patient, kind Nolan not harbor an feelings for her?
She knew the answer but was too afraid to get closer.
Todayâs lunch was no exception, and Francisâ frustration was palpable when Madeline was absent again. âIsnât she on break? Why is she always out and about? Donât you care about her education?â
Imogen rushed to explain, âNo, no, sheâs with her classmates at the library. She even FaceTimed me earlier. I wouldnât be okay with her constantly running around.â
Regina casually mentioned, âWhich library is that? I have a membership in one of the libraries. I could lend Madeline my card if she needs it.â
Imogen forced a smile, âThatâs alright. Madeline has enough for a library card. Her dad makes sure sheâs never short on pocket money.â
âOh, so sheâs taking her studies seriously, then?â
Imogen nodded vigorously and said, âYes, yes.
âAnd how were her grades last semester? Even if the international school isnât top-ranked, father still needs to know. It matters for her future, in case we consider sending her abroad for college.â
Reginaâs sudden interest in Madelineâs academic performance took even Francis by surprise. âWhatâs gotten into you today? Caring so much about your sister?â
Regina smiled. âJust thinking itâs time to let bygones be bygones. Iâve grown up, and itâs time to move on. Weâre family, after all, arenât we? So, Imogen, how did Madeline do? If sheâs struggling, I could help find tutors. You donât want her stuck here forever, right?â
Imogen doubted Reginaâs intentions. The notion of Regina genuinely wanting to help Madeline seemed far-fetched to her.