The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2868

"And I’m not sure when I’ll pay this clean if I continue my job as a journalist." Regina laughed ruefully, but Nolan's brow furrowed in annoyance, “What, did I force you to change jobs? I never asked you to repay me. The leaked video has already tarnished my reputation enough. Do you want people to think I mistreat my wife too?”

Regina shook her head vigorously, "Of course not. It's just that, well, there's no such thing as a free lunch. I don't want my dad to think the Harris family is some sort of cash cow for the Tanners. It's better to keep things clear and separate in case he borrows from you again."

For some reason, Regina's cheeks flushed when Nolan said the word “wife”, even though their relationship was so strained.

The rest of the drive passed in silence, with only Regina's flushed face to signal the tension as they arrived at the Harris estate.

Regina knew Nolan was wealthy, but the sight of the opulent manor still took her breath away. It dwarfed her family's sizable home, making it seem like a modest guesthouse by comparison.

No wonder Nolan had kept the information about the Harris family so well-hidden.

As they got out of the car, Nolan frowned briefly before catching up to stand beside her. "Remember what I told you in the car," he reminded her.

Regina suddenly realized her faux pas, "Sorry, I'm just not used to this whole meeting your dad and mom thing."

She carefully looped her arm through Nolan's, "If you don't like it, I could just cling to the hem of your shirt. You said we should act like a couple madly in love, so I figured it wouldn't be ice-cold indifference, right?"

To her surprise, Nolan took her hand firmly in his, "Can you try to act a bit more natural? You look like I'm dragging you along against your will. How could my family not notice something's off?"