Her stance was unwavering, and Francisâs face darkened instantly. âHe hasnât even said anything, and youâre already cutting me off. Is this how a daughter is supposed to act?â
Reginaâs expression soured. If Nolan werenât there, she would have already started arguing with her dad. But with him present, she didnât want him to witness such bickering. She just wanted to finish the meal as quickly as possible and then take him away.
The comfort she felt dining with the Harris family was in stark contrast to the discomfort she experienced at her own home. Why was the atmosphere in these two households as different as night and day?
âLook at the fine daughter I raised. Barely married for a few days, and sheâs already turning her back on us. Nolan, I donât know what kind of tricked youâve played on my daughter, making her blindly loyal to you.â
âDad, when has he ever tricked to me? On the other hand, the Tanner family has been leeching off the Harris family, and he hasnât complained about us a bit.â Regina retorted, a bit too eagerly in front of Nolan, exposing the Tanner familyâs parasitic behavior.
This embarrassed Francis. In a fit of anger, he slammed his hand on the table, standing up as if to slap Regina.
Nolan was quicker. He grabbed his arm firmly.
âLetâs keep this verbal, no need for physical actions, especially not at the dinner table. It doesnât look good to others.â
Francis hadnât expected Nolan to be so strong. He didnât look athletic at all; yet with just one hand, he seemed to effortlessly restrain him. Francis was unable to pull free, and it was only Nolanâs reluctance to see Regina distressed that made him let go.
âSince weâve finished our meal, letâs just go our separate ways.â Nolan said, taking Reginaâs hand and not looking back or bidding anyone goodbye as they left the Tanner residence.
Francis fumed even more behind them. âThe worldâs turned upside down!â
Imogen quickly tried to soothe him, âAh, these young people donât understand formalities Theyâre newlyweds, basking in their honeymoon phase. You tried to hit Regina, and he jus couldnât stand it. He didnât lay a finger on you, so count your blessings. Maybe heâs really head over heels for Regina.
Imagine how angry heâd be if you hurt his beloved. Right now, we need the Harris familyâs support!â
But her words only inflamed Francis further. âSo youâre looking down on me too?â He backhanded Imogen, causing her to stagger.
Madeline screamed, rushing to protect her.
âDad, how could you hit Mom? Sheâs pregnant with your child. What if something happened to the baby?â
Francis immediately regretted his action, remembering that his precious son was yet to be born.
He hurriedly called for the family doctor to check on Imogen, then anxiously helped her to the couch to lie down.
Fortunately, she didnât show any serious discomfort, just turned away, holding her abdomen, refusing to speak to him.
âIâm sorry, Imogen. It was my fault. I let my emotions get the best of me. Please, scold me. I shouldnât have done this in such a rage. You were right â theyâre newlyweds, completely in love, and of course Nolan would resent me. shouldnât have been so reckless, especially not considering your condition. Iâll never do that again. Please forgive me this once.â Francis pleaded, holding her hand.
But Imogen was adamant, not even looking back at him.
Even when Madeline felt his apologies were enough, Imogen still didnât turn around. âYou go take care of your things. I need some time alone.â