Chapter 2 World crashing down

Regina drove aimlessly through the city, the evening's events replaying in her mind. She needed a break, a momentary escape, a distraction. The image of their betrayal burned into her thoughts. She pulled up at the city's park, hoping to bask in the cool evening air, but it did little to quell the storm raging within. Desperate for comfort, she dialed her best friend, Rose, seeking a lifeline. But the call went straight to voicemail, reminding her that Rose was on a business trip and unreachable.

Alone and devastated, she wandered the streets until she found herself outside a neon-lit bar. After a moment's hesitation, she pushed the door open, the loud music and chatter enveloping her immediately.

She made her way to the bar and ordered a shot of whiskey, followed by another, and then a cocktail-Sex on the Beach, a drink that felt oddly appropriate given the circumstances. The alcohol did its job, burning its way through her system, dulling the pain and loosening her inhibitions.

A few more shots in, she was flirting with the bartender, a handsome guy with a charming smile. The banter was easy, the drinks kept coming, and soon she found herself laughing, a sound foreign to her own ears. Then, a stranger joined her-a tall, dark-haired man with piercing blue eyes. They exchanged glances, spoke casually, the alcohol making the conversation flow effortlessly.

The lines between right and wrong blurred as Regina leaned in closer to the stranger, her body responding to the heat of the moment. Their lips locked in a fervent kiss, and soon, they were in an elevator, then his apartment. The urgency of the kiss consumed them, and the world around her faded into the background.

Morning light streamed through the blinds, piercing Regina's eyelids and dragging her back to reality. She groaned, her head throbbing with the aftermath of too much alcohol. She forced her eyes open and was immediately hit with a wave of horror. She was in a stranger's bed, tangled in sheets that weren't hers.

"Oh God," she whispered, memories of the previous night crashing down on her. The drinks, the flirting, the kiss, but everything after was a blur. Panic set in as she scrambled to gather her clothes, her movements frantic. All she could think about was how to escape the scene of her reckless mistake.

Regina dressed quickly and slipped out of the room, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't look back as she fled the apartment, desperate to put as much distance between herself and the previous night as possible.

She paused outside only to catch her breath, the reality of the situation sinking in. She felt dirty, ashamed. How could she make such a drunken mistake, she thought. And worst of all, she had forgotten her purse.

"Could my life get any better?" she screamed.

She switched on her phone to book a ride only to find a series of missed calls and text messages from her mom and Penelope. She clicked open a more recent message from Penelope and David, her dad's secretary.

Mom: Call me quickly.

Mom: Meet me at the central hospital, your dad collapsed.

Penelope: Regina, I've been trying to reach you. The moment you get this, come straight to the office. I couldn't handle things on my own. I am sorry. Your father has been admitted and it seems the bad investment causing our financial troubles was orchestrated by Olivia. Please call me ASAP.

David: Olivia made a huge mistake. I am sorry I couldn't tell you earlier. We need you at the office right this moment.

Regina's world tilted on its axis. Her father's health, the company's struggles, Olivia's betrayal-it was too much to bear. She sank onto a nearby bench, her hands trembling as she tried to make sense of everything.

She dialed Penelope's number, and at the first ring, she picked up.

"Where are you? There's been a call for an urgent meeting."

"I had a rough night. Now, please tell me what the hell is going on."

"The financial status is crumbling. Olivia sold 85 percent of her shares, but there was a loophole in the contract, so it's affecting the whole company. I think your dad collapsed from the news."

"I will be at the office in 20 minutes. Inform the team I am coming." She cut the call and hailed a taxi.

The fluorescent lights in the office flickered ominously, casting a harsh glow over the conference room where Regina sat, staring blankly at the financial statements spread across the table. It felt like a dream. Her heart raced as she tried to process the gravity of the situation. The numbers were devastating-her father's company the Queens was on the brink of collapse.

"Regina, we need to make some tough decisions," the CFO, Mr. Jason, said gently, breaking the suffocating silence. "If we don't secure new funding soon, we might not make it through the next quarter."

Regina nodded, her throat dry. "I understand, Mr. Jason. Let's reconvene tomorrow to discuss potential investors. For now, I need some time to think."

She dismissed him and the financial strategy team. They all left the office, the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders. It felt like the walls were closing in, the air growing thicker with every step she took. Regina turned to see her secretary, Penelope, watching her with a worried expression.

"I'm good," Regina said, taking a deep breath and exhaling, giving her a small smile. She tried to assure her, but the look on Penelope's face begged to differ.

"What's my schedule like?" Regina asked as they continued walking towards her office.

"You're free for most of the day," Penelope rattled off after taking a look at her iPad. "Although, you do have to go shopping with Mr. Alexander Sterling. You were supposed to check out the new apartment you were supposed to buy with him. The appointment was at 3:30 PM, and it's 5 PM already."

Regina winced at the mention of his name, her boyfriend-or better still, her ex-boyfriend. The last thing she wanted to do was shop with someone who wasn't even sincere. The whole relationship suddenly felt like a cruel joke. Regina nodded, trying to maintain a façade of normalcy. She had not informed anyone about their breakup.

"Thanks, Penelope. I'll handle it." She started towards her office but stopped and spun around. "On a second thought, please cancel the appointment, I don't think I'll be able to make it."

Penelope gave her a slow nod, a cryptid expression pulled on her pretty face as she returned to her desk.

"Yes, ma'am" She replied. "If you say so."