Chapter 96 Drunk
Miranda was initially a bit flattered, but then she realized that Douglas liked the post probably because Regina appeared in her video.
What Miranda didn't know at the time was that Douglas had been obsessively checking her Instagram, almost wearing out her posts, just waiting for any news about Regina.
After all, Regina frequently appeared in Miranda's posts.
Especially back at Normon University, where Miranda, who had joined the Dubbing Club in her freshman year, always looked up to Regina as an idol and followed her around.
Her posts always shared their lives together.
No one knew that during that period of hidden affection, Douglas would repeatedly look for updates on Regina from other people's social media stories to fend off some deep-seated thoughts.
Douglas smirked self-deprecatingly. Suddenly, he remembered a video Miranda had posted many years ago.
It was at a club gathering, a group of people partying late into the night at a bar.
Regina, wearing a white floral dress, was sitting quietly in a corner, looking completely out of place in the lively atmosphere.
She appeared in the dim, noisy video for just two or three seconds, but he easily spotted her.
She had her head down, looking quite downcast.
That day, Regina might have had some disagreement with Philip.
Miranda, who knew the inside story and had drunk too much, impulsively ranted about Philip in her post to defend Regina.
Because of Miranda's post, Douglas had taken a flight from Oriant City to Normon City late that night.
On his way to find Regina, he kept thinking about what excuse he could use to approach her without seeming abrupt.
He had thought that maybe this time he really stood a chance.
The Dubbing Club group partied at the bar all night, and it wasn't until seven in the morning that they left, yawning and exhausted.
When Douglas arrived, looking travel-worn, he saw Regina getting into Philip's car.
After arguing all night, they had made up.
Douglas thought it was quite laughable that he had seen a minor lovers' quarrel as a rare opportunity.
But he didn't say or do anything and took a flight back to Oriant City the same day.
He continued to focus on his work afterward.
During that time, Leo had entrusted Douglas with several important projects for expanding into overseas markets, requiring him to travel between domestic and international locations frequently. The orderly busyness diluted this ridiculous episode.
Douglas always appeared cold and indifferent on the surface.
He just loved her secretly, and for a while, he even thought he didn't necessarily need to have Regina; he was just deeply interested in her.
At almost thirty, Douglas's family was pressuring him.
People around him frequently said, "If in this lifetime you meet someone suitable, someone you like, why not have a relationship, get married, have children, and follow the usual life path?"
Douglas tried, but he never met anyone.
He was clear-headed in everything he did, except for this matter, which he couldn't figure out.
He wondered what exactly Regina did to attract him. Even his every desire was tied to imagining her face.
The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became, and he tossed his phone aside.
Meanwhile, at the BBQ restaurant, Miranda felt things were getting out of control.
Regina ordered a bottle of liquor.
Not the fruity kind, but a strong one, and given Regina's alcohol tolerance, she'd probably be tipsy after two glasses.
"Regina, drink less," Miranda advised.
Regina was already in a bad mood, and during dinner, Melissa called. Whatever was said on the other end of the line, the fifteen-minute call left Regina feeling even worse.
"A little drink is fine. Just take me home," Regina said, giving Miranda the address of her large apartment and even the password. "Just help me to my room, and I'll sleep it off."
Miranda didn't persuade her further.
Knowing Regina's personality, Miranda understood that Regina was the type to bottle everything up. Over time, the accumulation blocked all her outlets, and she needed a way to vent.
If Regina felt that drinking would make her feel better, why not let her?
With Miranda there to watch over her, and if things got out of hand, she could always call Douglas.
With Douglas around, any problem could be solved.
In the end, Regina drank two bottles, getting herself thoroughly drunk.
When she was drunk, she didn't do anything crazy.
She just quietly lay on the table, eyes closed as if she were asleep.
Seeing this, Miranda first sent a message to a number and then helped Regina hail a cab.
Soon, she got Regina to her destination.
Douglas had come straight from the office and arrived five minutes earlier than Miranda.
Seeing Miranda's cab pull up, he quickly walked over, opened the back door, and carried the drunk Regina out.
Looking at Regina in his arms, Douglas's brow furrowed slightly.
He knew she drank because she was upset. And he was probably the one who had upset her.
After a moment, he looked up at Miranda and said, "Thanks."
Miranda quickly said it was nothing, just what she should do.
She watched Douglas carry Regina away and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Back home, before Douglas could put Regina down, he heard her mumble. "I feel awful. I want to shower."
After eating BBQ, she was covered in the smell of food and smoke.
Plus, Regina was the type to get hot and sweaty after drinking, making her feel sticky and uncomfortable.
Douglas felt like something was twisting in his chest.
"Sleep for a bit. You can shower when you're a little more sober."
He spoke rationally to Regina, but the Regina in his arms stubbornly insisted, "I want to shower."
With that, she struggled to get off him and stumbled towards the bathroom.
Douglas pressed his temples in frustration and reluctantly followed her.
