Chapter 4
Brad was slack–jawed. He murmured. “Danın! I don’t even think a paternity test is necessary. Just look at her face!!
Melinda, standing behind them, flashed a quick scowl. She stepped forward and said with a hint of sadness, “That’s so great. The family’s finally back together. Guess it’s time for me to head back where Lcame from.”
Brad and Clive’s faces twisted up, and they jumped in East. “What are you saying, Melinda! Even with Regina here, you’re still family. We’re not daching you
But she started crying harder, looking crushed. I took her spot, though. I should just go”
I killed Hugh to see her like this. “Melinda, we will make it up to Regina, but we won’t neglect you. Don’t overthink?
t worry, Melindar
Brad and Clive said in unison. “Dad’s right. Don’t w
Looking at them, Regina sneered. “Who said I’d go home with you?”
They were stunned. Before any of them responded, a brisk female voice rang out
We Why
“Trene! Hugh?
are you all here?” someone exclaimed
Turning around. Regina saw Scarlett corning out of the office.
She was flanked by a crew of slick bodyguards, strutting over like the owned the place.
d the way she looked at Regina was like she saw an old acquaintance who
Upon seeing Regina, Scarlett paused slightly; her expression changed, and wasn’t supposed to be here..
Regina strode toward Scarlett. “I know you’re looking for an heir. If it’s OK w
was puzzled
Scarlett was
with you, I want to be your adopted daughter.”
that supposed to mean, Regina? Irene and I are your parents–standing right here–and you’re shopping for a new
Hugh’s face darkened. “What’s that s mom?”
irene turned ghastly pale. “What are you talking about, Regina! I’m here. Just come home with me.”
Melinda said, sobbing, “Regina, what’s gotten into you?”
Clive and Brad were pissed. “Seriously, Regina Mom and Dad are right here. Quit playing the pity card?”
Regina ignored them, dipped a quick bow to Scarlett, and said, steady as helly They are NOT my family. I Grew up in the slums. I can handle tough stuff and I’m ready to hustle
“No fancy degree, but I was an A–student back in school. Check it out if you want.”
t
Scarlett was speechless, but her eyes sparked with something–curiosity, maybe.
She dought, “Wait, Fin not the only one who jumped back in time? Did Regina come back too? Is that why she’s here, pitching herself as my daughter?
Melinda, off to the side, let a tiny smirk slip before grabbing Clive and Brad’s lunds, tears il that why she’s pulling this rebel act to mess with Mom and Dad?”
flowing. Please talk to her. Is she mad I took her place? Is
Clive’s face turned red. “Figures. She didn’t grow up with us, doesn’t see us as family. She’s just trying to guilt–trip us. So manipulative—and she’s terrible at hiding id
Right then. Regina yanked off her T–shirt
Just as they wanted to stop h her, they saw that underneath her T–shirt was a thin tank top.
Her body was covered with all kinds of scars, including even a few nasty scald marks from cigarette butts.
The Mitchells‘ faces dropped. They couldn’t believe it
So many ears–Regina’s life must’ve been like hell in the past 18 years.
Irene’s eyes widened, and she burst into tears.
a f f
11
Chapter 1
She hul been with Regina for an entire year during their past life, but she was totally unaware of those scars
Dumbfounded, Scarlet gowkrid at Regina, who just stood there, defiant as ever
The night breeze hit, raising goosebumps on Regina’s arms through the tank top, but she didn’t flinch.
She squired up and said, “Seel I can take a beating. No college degree, but I’ve been scrapping in underground boxing for cash. I’m good–damn good. Everyone in that scene knows my name. I can be your mercenary, your best fighter.
“TI be your assistant, your heir, whatever you need. Just give me a shot”
Regina bowed deeply to Scarlett again.
“Tswear I won’t fail your she promised loudly.
Silener filled the scene
Scarlett reached out and touched the cigarette marks on Regina’s back. “Who did this to you?”
Regina’s eyes dimmed as she replied honestly. “My dad.”
Scarlett stared at the cluster of marks–five or so, all mashed together like they’d been done in one go.
She pressed her lips, feeling sorry for Regina. “It must have hurt.”
Regina straightened up. “A liule back then, but I’m alright now!
Her bright eyes sparkled with hope. “He’s dead anyway”
Scarlett froze, then softened, looking at Regina’s blank face with a pang of pity.
Meanwhile, Hugh stared at the scars on Regina, frowned deeply, and clenched his fists tightly. “How dare they do this to her! I’ll make them pay
At the same time, Irene clutched her chest, sabbing.
Clive and Brad stared at each of Regina’s scars, murmuring in a daze, “She’s gone through so much…
Only Melinda, always the crybaby, was deadpan. She stared at Regina’s sears intently, her gaze burning
In this solemn atmosphere, a handsome man next to Scarlett suddenly took off his suit jacket and draped it over Regina.
A bit surprised, Regina glanced at the small black–and–gold nameplate on the suit jacket,
His name was Steve Madison
She said with gratitude, “Thanks.”
Steve glanced at her deeply and then went back to stand beside Scarlet,
t, who looked at him, in shock, having a hard time believing what she had
He avoided her eyes, a litle sheepish.
With a trasing smile, ale turned to Regina “Alright. I.
“Regina, come home with me. I have no idea you went through this much! Suddenly, Irene gr
Frowning imperceptibly, Regina looked at en coldly.
grabbed Regina’s hund
Utterly remorseful
ΓΕ
Irene said to her, “TH make it up to you. I will never let you suffer again!”
Hugh echoed, feeling sorry for Regina. “Indred, Regina I’m sure you’re our daughter. But to be on the safe side, let’s take a paternity test, and then you’ll come home with us. From now on, we’ll be family.
Clive and Brad didn’t say much, to their faces sufined, pity creeping in as they looked at her.
Staiding aside sadly, Melinda looked at Hugh and then Irene, and then she walked up to Regina with tears in her eyes. ‘Regina, I’m so sorry.”
She kept going, voice trembling. “I’ll switch with you–go live where you grew up. Maybe that’ll give you back those eighteen years somehow,”
2/3
“No” Brad protested eagerly. “Clearly, she grew up in a hellish place. If you live there, you’ll suffer! You can’t go there. Stay heret Both
you
Chapter 4
Regina matter to us
Gratified. Clive looked at Melinda “Melinda, we know you’re always sensible and mature, but you did nothing wrong. It wasn’t you who switched yourself and her in the first place. Relax. You don’t have to go live there. We’ll continue to be nice to you.”
Hugh pulled Melinda close, patting her shoulder. “You’re my daughter–Regina too. No favorites. We’ve got you both.”
Sobbing. Melinda asked, “Really?”
Huch, Brad, and Clive nodded hard, Irene didn’t
Raising an eyebrow, Regina looked at the warm scene, she used to see similar scenes every day in the
It happened in the morning, at noon, and in the evening.
It made her want to puke
past.
She snored. “You guys d
deaf or what?”
They all stopped, stunned.
Chin up, she glared down at them. “My parents are dead. I’ve got no family. So how about you quit blocking me while I pick my new mom, yeah?
