Chapter 2: Reunited
Emma's warm smile faltered for a moment as she took in Reg's appearance. His tailored suit, crisp white shirt, and sleek tie seemed out of place in the familiar surroundings of the mansion. But as their eyes met, her smile returned, and she opened her arms for a gentle hug.
"Reg, it's so good to see you," Emma said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "I'm sorry about your father. He was a good man."
Reg felt a pang of guilt as he hugged Emma back. He had lost touch with her over the years, and the realization stung. He had been so caught up in building his business empire that he had neglected the people who had mattered most in his life.
As they pulled back, Emma's eyes sparkled with unshed tears. "Come on in, Reg. I'll get you something to drink. You must be exhausted from your trip."
Reg followed Emma into the mansion, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over him. The interior looked just as he remembered it – elegant, refined, and steeped in history. Emma led him to the kitchen, where she busied herself making tea while Reg took a seat at the table.
As they chatted, Reg found himself stealing glances at Emma. She looked a bit worn, the lines on her face etched deeper, but her eyes still sparkled with kindness. And when she laughed, her whole face lit up, making Reg's heart skip a beat.
He couldn't help but wonder what had become of Emma's life since he'd last seen her. Had she married? Had children? What had she been up to all these years?
As the conversation flowed, Reg found himself feeling more and more at ease in Emma's presence. It was as if no time had passed at all, and they fell into an easy rhythm, laughing and joking like they used to when he was a teenager.
But beneath the surface, Reg sensed a subtle undercurrent. Emma seemed... different. There was a depth to her eyes, a quiet strength that he hadn't noticed before. And Reg found himself drawn to it, like a moth to a flame.