Chapter 63 Temptation
Nicole shot Douglas a look that could stop a train and frowned.
"What do you want, Douglas?" she asked.
"I'm here to drive you," he replied.
Nicole teased him with a playful tone, "Do you really need to do this yourself? It's not like it's a big deal. I could just get a driver, or you could even call Jason over for me."
Douglas, unfazed, said, "And to cover your expenses."
Nicole laughed and agreed instantly. "Alright, we'll reluctantly take you along."
She planned to shop a lot today.
Nicole happily linked arms with Regina and headed out.
Though Nicole hadn't had much direct interaction with Regina in the past, she knew quite a bit about Regina from Douglas. She was aware that Regina was a wonderful person, someone who deserved Douglas' affection.
Nicole felt a natural closeness to Regina, who also warmed up to her easily, despite the fact that Nicole was just a year older.
Meanwhile, Miranda had originally planned to meet Regina near Grand Plaza. However, Regina had later changed her mind and decided to go to the Central World Trade Center instead.
That was the premier shopping destination in Oriant City.
Miranda hesitated and texted Regina: [Regina, it's just a meal. Do we need to go somewhere so fancy?]
Regina hadn't planned on it, but Nicole liked shopping there. Thinking ahead, she decided to give Miranda a heads-up.
Regina texted: [I brought two others along, and they want to go there.]
'Two others?' Miranda thought.
Miranda found it odd: [Who are they?]
Regina replied: [You know them. You'll see when you get here.]
Regina decided it was time to tell Miranda about her relationship with Douglas. She hadn't mentioned it before because she thought it might end easily. But now, things were looking good. Miranda was her good friend, and she deserved to know.
Miranda took a taxi to the Central World Trade Center. When she saw Regina, Douglas, and Nicole together, she was stunned.
Yes, she knew them, but seeing them together felt surreal.
Seeing Miranda's shock, Regina quickly walked up to her.
"Miranda," Regina called out.
"Regina," Miranda swallowed hard, "Why are you out shopping with Mr. Semona?"
Regina decided to be straightforward. "Mr. Semona and I are married."
"Are you drunk again?" Miranda asked.
Regina pulled out the marriage license from her bag. "It's true."
She then explained to Miranda how she met Douglas on a blind date.
Douglas and Nicole stood behind her, watching as she explained everything to her friend.
Seeing Miranda still in shock, Nicole crossed her arms and said to Douglas, "Only Regina believed all that stuff you said."
Douglas shrugged. "I only need her to believe."
"By the way," Nicole asked, "What's up with her? She seems to have forgotten some things, like meeting you in college."
"She had a drowning accident, which left her with memory issues," Douglas said, trying to sound casual, though it hurt him deeply. "She forgot some people and things."
Nicole twisted the knife. "So you're the one she was destined to forget?"
Douglas shot her a cold look.
Nicole sighed. "How could this happen? But if you had made a big impact in her life, she wouldn't have forgotten you so easily."
Douglas stayed silent.
Nicole half-joked, "Even if she had a boyfriend she was crazy about, you should've fought for her."
After a pause, she asked, "You've been married for over two months. Haven't you tried telling her about the past?"
Douglas thought, 'Would it help?'
Even if he told her, Regina might not believe it. He had already told her he liked her for a long time.
"So what are you going to do?" she asked.
"Do about what?" He smirked. "The past is the past. If she can't remember, let it be. Just live in the present."
'Regina never loved me before. What's the point of her knowing? To make her feel guilty?' he thought.
Regina talked to Miranda for ten minutes, but Miranda was still in shock.
Regina gave up and decided to let Miranda process it on her own.
Nicole walked over, raised her hand, and greeted Miranda with a smile. "Long time no see, Miranda."
Miranda glanced cautiously at Douglas behind Nicole. "So, Nicole, what's your relationship with Mr. Semona?"
"He's my brother," Nicole replied.
Miranda knew Nicole came from a wealthy family, but hearing she was Douglas' sister still surprised her. The world seemed so big, yet so small.
Finally, Miranda pinched her palm, forcing herself to snap out of it. She followed them into the Central World Trade Center.
Nicole had already arranged for certain boutiques to be cleared out for their shopping spree. She went straight into buying, with the salespeople providing enthusiastic and professional service. Meanwhile, Douglas, ever the gentleman, kept a respectful distance from them, stepping in to swipe his card and settle the bills after they had picked out what they wanted.
Miranda was initially shy and hesitant, but after Nicole urged her to try on various items and even bought them for her if they looked good, her inhibitions slowly faded away.
"Douglas, what do you think? Does Regina look good in this dress?"
Douglas had just taken a work call and turned around when he heard Nicole.
Nicole had picked out a little black dress for Regina. The straps had diamond-encrusted chains, the skirt was form-fitting with a narrow hem, and the back had a mid-slit design, accentuating Regina's graceful figure.
Regina wore light vintage makeup, with her slightly wavy, thick hair parted to one side. Paired with the dress, she exuded a cool allure and seduction.
