Chapter 90 Have a Fight
Regina didn't see Douglas for days, like he vanished from her life.
During that time, her life felt unusually quiet.
It was only on the weekend when Elizabeth called to ask if Regina had time to go to the National Grand Theatre with her to watch a performance that ripples of Douglas resurfaced in Regina's life.
"Sorry, Mom, I'm busy these days."
"Are you feeling okay?" Elizabeth sensed something was off.
"Yeah, just a bit under the weather."
Elizabeth sighed softly. "It's fine, your health comes first. We can catch a show another time."
'Another time? When would that be?' Regina wondered.
She wasn't sure.
Elizabeth's enthusiasm made it hard for Regina to refuse. After a pause, she agreed.
After hanging up, Leo texted, asking when she'd come back with Douglas.
Then there was Nancy, Douglas' niece, who missed Regina and wanted to play with fireworks.
As Regina pondered how to respond, Nicole video-called.
"Regina, want to go shopping soon?" Nicole's excited voice came through, but her face wasn't on the screen.
Regina declined, saying she wasn't feeling well.
Nicole, upon hearing Regina's voice, quickly changed into her final outfit and picked up her phone, only to notice Regina's slightly puffy eyes and the hoarseness in her voice.
"What did Douglas do to you?" Nicole asked casually.
Regina stayed silent.
Nicole sensed something was wrong.
'Usually, Regina would defend Douglas. Her silence now seems like an acknowledgment. Did Douglas really hurt her?' Nicole thought but didn't ask directly.
After hanging up, she called Douglas.
The phone rang for a while before he answered.
"Douglas, I just video-called Regina. What's up with her? She seems so down."
Douglas leaned back on his sofa, listening without speaking.
"Douglas!" Nicole raised her voice, "Did you two fight?"
'A fight?' Douglas thought.
He recalled the night he was honest with Regina.
At first, she tried to defend him. Later, without a harsh word, she retreated to her room. He wished she'd vent, even slap him, but she kept it all in.
"No, we didn't fight," Douglas said quietly. "Don't bother her for a while."
Nicole was about to respond when Douglas added, "And tell everyone else too."
"Everyone else?"
"The Semona family," he said impatiently. "Do you get it?"
Nicole realized how serious it was.
"What did you do?" Nicole asked. "It seems like Regina wants to avoid our whole family. If Grandpa and Mom and Dad find out, they'll be furious."
Nicole wanted to say more, but the call abruptly ended.
Douglas sat in silence for a while before opening his laptop.
The laptop was connected to the house's surveillance cameras, except for the bedroom and bathroom.
All day, Regina was barely visible on the footage. She only appeared in the dining room for meals and mostly stayed in her room.
Douglas stared at the live footage for hours, still unable to catch a glimpse of her. It wasn't until around 3 a.m. that he finally saw some movement.
Regina, in pajamas and fluffy slippers, came out of her bedroom. She went to the kitchen, poured a glass of warm water, took a few pills, and then sat on the living room carpet, stroking Molly's head.
Douglas watched, captivated.
Regina stayed in the living room from three until seven, when Betty came to make breakfast. She was still on the carpet.
"Ms. Valrose, why are you sitting here in so little clothing without the air conditioning on? You'll catch a cold!"
Regina shook her head. "I'm fine."
Betty didn't believe her. She tried several times to bring up Douglas in front of Regina, but each time she choked back her words.
The holiday finally ended.
Regina felt relieved going back to the office.
Whenever she found herself struggling and overwhelmed, she sought out something to distract her.
It seemed that busy work had become her go-to escape.
Sure enough, she had a lot to do right away.
On her first day back, Regina worked until seven in the evening and didn't seem ready to leave.
"Regina, when are you heading home?" Janet asked casually.
Regina didn't give a definite answer. "Not sure, maybe in another hour."
"Can you do me a favor?"
Regina thought it would be good to stay busy, so she agreed. "Sure."
"It's just delivering a document." Janet placed a manila envelope on Regina's desk. "Please take it to the CEO's office."
Regina looked at Janet, a bit dazed.
"Go now. Honestly, during the department manager meeting today, Mr. Semona seemed in a bad mood. I made a big mistake during the meeting. If I go to him now, I'd be asking for trouble," Janet admitted. "So I need to avoid him for a while. You're just helping out; he shouldn't give you a hard time."
Regina pressed her lips together. "I..."
"Please."
Before Regina could respond, Janet quickly walked away in her high heels.
Regina looked at the document on her desk, her heart skipping a beat.
It felt like her previously calm heart was suddenly stirred up.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and steadied herself.
When she opened her eyes again, she picked up the document and walked out of the office, pressing the elevator button to the CEO's office.
