Her Return, His Regret
Chapter 53~ Explaining

Lora rushed to work, wanting to get ready for an important meeting with a client.

However, when she stepped into the office building, she felt like her employees were looking at her funny.

"Miss Davis," Hannah rushed towards Lora with her tablet. "Have you checked the tabloids today? There's news about you and Mr Kingsley."

Lora frowned and mused. 'Why would there be news about me and Ryan?'

She took the tablet from her assistant and went through the article.

Sure enough, everyone was talking about Lora and Ryan. A picture of when Lora and Ryan were dancing was trending on the internet. Ryan held her close and she looked up into his eyes. From the angle that the photo was taken, it looked like she was looking at him lovingly.

The two looked like a couple in that intimate position. Ryan's arms were wrapped around Lora's waist, his eyes never leaving her frame. It was like he was looking at the most beautiful thing in the world.

Lora furrowed her eyebrows as she scrolled down to read the headlines.

[Sparks fly at the LAN's Luxurious Jewelry launch party as Ryan Kingsley and Lora Davis take to the dance floor.]

[Ryan Kingsley and Lora Davis showcase their explosive chemistry.]

"What is wrong with these people? So much happened last night and this was all they picked out to publish?" Lora hissed, anger flaring through her.

"The media houses publish news that they feel will give them numbers and make them money," Hannah remarked.

Lora scoffed, going through the comments. There were those who shipped Lora and Ryan while others scolded them for flirting in front of their partners. "They look good together... I think these two are in the wrong relationships. They should swap with Ivy and Jason."

"I'm team Loran all the way! It's a combo of Lora and Ryan. So cute!"

"No, this is not right. Their partners were watching and they were holding each other so closely. I feel sorry for Ivy and Jason. #JuscticeforlvyandJason." "Wait... does this mean Ryan will not marry Ivy anymore? Just look at how he was looking at Lora. He must be in love with her!"

"Ryan has chemistry with Lora and not Ivy. Ivy seems to be forcing things. Ryan and Lora are a good match."

Lora couldn't read anymore, her jaw clenched from anger. She glanced at Hannah and instructed, "Have all the news taken down. Now." "Yes, Ma'am," Hannah responded.

When Lora got to her office, she thought about the comments that people were making about Jason and how this news would affect him. They were right. She was in a relationship with him now, and her trending with another man was not good.

Taking her phone, she dialled Jason's line.

"Hey, Lora," Jason's calm voice echoed through the phone.

Hearing how calm he was, Lora couldn't help but feel guilty.

"Can we meet during lunch today? There's something I want to tell you," Lora suggested.

"Sure, I'm always available for you," Jason responded.

When the call cut, Lora's heart was completely filled with guilt. Jason didn't even question her about the trending news or ask her for an explanation. He was too nice for his own good.

Later during lunch time, Jason met Lora at a restaurant for lunch.

It was a private place, away from prying eyes. Since there was another scandal, everyone's eyes would be on them.

They sat quietly for some time until Lora glanced at Jason apologetically. She took in a deep breath and said, "I'm sure you saw the news today."

Jason nodded and replied, "Yes, I saw it."

Guilt twisted Lora's heart. She

remarked, "I'm sorry about that scandal. hope it doesn't make you feel like there's something going on between Ryan and I. I don't know how they made an innocent dance into something big that has blown out of proportion."

Silence fell over them.

It took a few seconds for Jason to respond. He looked into Lora's eyes and asked, "Do you have feelings for Ryan?"

Lora's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. That question made her feel like cold water had been poured down her head.

Her heart raced as she quickly exclaimed, "No, I don't!"

Jason studied Lora for a moment, his face was unreadable and Lora couldn't tell what he was thinking.

He sighed and remarked, "I don't blame you for the news. It's not your fault. Besides, you danced with Ryan because he picked your number."

Lora nodded, feeling relieved. She said, "You're right. I just feel bad about what everyone is saying about you on the internet. You don't deserve that when you've been so good to me, Jay."

"Don't worry about it... I don't care

about what other people say as long

as I know you're with me and not him," Jason replied, looking at Lora "Although I don't understand Ryan Kingsley's obsession with you... but it might be because you're so beautiful and one of a kind. I would be obsessed too if you weren't mine."

Lora forced a smile and thought, 'Ryan's obsessed because I look like his dead wife, that's all. Nothing special.'

Jason reached forward and brushed

away a strand of hair that had

framed Lora's face. He said softly,

love you, Lora... and I'm willing to

wait for you to love me back the same. I hope to marry you one day and I'll be a great father to your

kids."

As he said this, he leaned over, aiming for Lora's lips. However, Ryan's face suddenly flashed through Lora's mind and with it, she recalled his kiss.

Before she could tell what was happening, her body moved before she could stop herself. She tilted her head to the side, avoiding the kiss and Jason ended up awkwardly kissing her cheek. Jason pulled back, hurt flickering through his eyes and a lump formed in Lora's throat.