Chapter 81 Have Some Kids
"Just do what makes you happy and comfortable."
Regina repeated this to herself, eyes slightly teary. After calming down, she chuckled, unbuckled her seatbelt, and said, "Let's go inside."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Meanwhile, a group of young people were peeking over the railing of the villa's second-floor garden, watching the black Maybach parked by the fountain.
"It's been ten minutes. Why aren't they out yet?"
"What are they doing in there?"
Their chatter annoyed Nicole. She remembered Douglas mentioning Regina had forgotten some things, and their bond wasn't that strong. Just as she was getting anxious, the car door opened. Douglas, in a dark gray suit and black coat, got out, holding an umbrella. He walked to the passenger side and opened the door for Regina.
"They're out!"
Regina heard excited screams but saw no one. Then, a loud crack in the sky, and red roses mixed with snowflakes began to fall.
It was raining roses.
Regina was stunned. Douglas brushed petals off her shoulder, saying, "The younger ones are just playing around."
The group on the balcony shook their heads. "Is Douglas really that unromantic? He should be hugging and kissing her!"
"What a waste of our efforts!"
Nicole sighed at her siblings' antics. "Stay out of it. When Douglas wants to be romantic, any woman would fall for him. He doesn't need your help."
Seeing Regina's surprise, Douglas texted the group: [Stop with the weird stuff. Don't scare her off.]
They stopped, planning to save their tricks for Douglas' wedding day.
Regina followed Douglas inside, feeling a bit overwhelmed despite being prepared.
Douglas took her hand, and her unease faded in his warm grip.
He introduced her, "Regina, this is my grandfather, Leo Semona."
Leo, looking sharp in a suit, had a dignified yet approachable presence.
"Hello, Grandpa, I'm Regina Valrose," she greeted quickly.
Leo's eyes softened with a smile. "Well, well, look who's finally brought you home. I've been telling him for ages that marriage is a big deal and shouldn't be taken lightly. Now that you two have applied for the marriage license and you're here today, we'll need to discuss your marriage affairs thoroughly. Every step of the necessary procedures must be followed to the letter."
Leo, the family head, made it clear what the family's stance would be. Whatever Douglas decided, the family accepted. Leo always said a harmonious family led to prosperity. Under his leadership, the Semona family thrived by staying united and avoiding conflict.
"This is my father, Herman Semona, and my mother, Elizabeth Semona," Douglas introduced Regina to a middle-aged couple.
The Semona family was strikingly handsome, with each member exuding an undeniable charm that only seemed to deepen with age. Even as time etched its marks on their faces, it only added to their impressive presence.
Douglas' father had not been a businessman; he was once the Minister of Justice. His mother, hailing from a Dance dynasty, had been the lead dancer at the National Ballet in her youth.
Both of them looked at Regina with the warmth and affection one would show their own daughter.
Though Regina had once struggled to understand what it felt like to be regarded as someone's daughter, she now knew that the way they looked at her was like a warmth that could melt even the coldest glacier.
"Hello, Dad, Mom," she greeted.
Elizabeth responded joyfully, "I'm more nervous meeting my daughter-in-law for the first time than I was performing at the National Theatre."
Nicole chimed in, "You weren't that nervous on stage. You always said with Dad in the audience, you weren't afraid even if the sky fell."
Elizabeth smiled sheepishly. "He was busy that day. I told him not to come, but he rushed back just in time for my performance."
Regina thought, 'Douglas must have inherited this from his father.'
Herman, while keeping a bit of distance, was supportive. "If Douglas ever bullies you, tell me. I'll handle him. But don't worry, the men in the Semona family treat their women well."
Regina felt overwhelmed with affection. The atmosphere became relaxed and lively as Douglas introduced her to his uncles, aunts, and cousins. Douglas, the eldest grandson, had younger siblings who were already married with kids.
A few children gathered around, bringing joy to everyone. Regina bent down, patted their heads, and handed out gifts she had prepared.
From a distance, Leo watched Regina and discussed with Herman and Elizabeth, "Regina seems to like kids. You should subtly ask when they plan to have some."
"Douglas is almost thirty. Now that his relationship is stable, he should start thinking about this."
"But Regina's opinion is the most important. If she doesn't want kids..." Leo paused, his face serious. "If she doesn't want kids, it must mean Douglas isn't good enough or capable enough."
