Chapter 2 Opportunity in the Rain

Regina burst out of the Peace Club and into the night. A sudden downpour began, the raindrops like slender silver needles piercing her thin frame. She didn't seek shelter, letting the cold rain soak her completely. The rain mixed with her tears, making it impossible to tell them apart.

Six years of love, only to be met with betrayal. Her heart felt like it was being torn into pieces, each shard stabbing at her soul.

"You're just a stand-in for Claudia," Philip's words cut through her like a knife, stripping away her last shred of dignity.

Regina wandered through the rain, drenched and shivering, yet feeling no cold. Her heart was completely numb. The neon lights along the street blurred in the rain, and the splashes from passing cars soaked her pants, but she didn't notice.

Six years of love, and it turned out to be a farce. She was just a stand-in, someone he didn't even want to touch.

Her phone rang, almost drowned out by the rain. Regina mechanically pulled it from her pocket, seeing "Cindy" on the screen. She hesitated for a moment but answered.

"Hey, Regina! What are you up to?" Cindy's cheerful voice came through.

Regina took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "Nothing much, Cindy."

"You sound off. Did you have another fight with your unreliable boyfriend?" Cindy Knight's keen intuition picked up on Regina's distress.

That question broke the last barrier in Regina's heart. She couldn't hold back her emotions any longer, and tears streamed down her face. "Cindy, we... broke up."

"What? You broke up?" Cindy's voice rose in surprise, then softened. "Don't worry, tell me what happened."

Regina briefly recounted what had happened at the club, each word causing her more pain.

"Philip is such a jerk!" Cindy cursed angrily after hearing the story. "Six years! He wasted six years of your life! Regina, don't be sad. He just don't deserve someone as wonderful as you."

Regina didn't respond, letting the rain wash over her face.

"Regina, listen to me," Cindy's voice became hesitant, as if choosing her words carefully. "I actually know some great guys. How about I introduce you to one? He's mature, considerate, and way better than Philip."

Regina shook her head slightly. "Cindy, I'm not in the mood for that right now."

Cindy seemed to get nervous, her words becoming more cautious. "Regina, I know you're feeling down, but your life can't just stop. And... didn't you say your grandma was worried about you settling down?"

Grandma.

The word struck Regina like lightning. Yes, Tasha's health wasn't good, and the doctor had said she needed to stay happy. If she found out about the breakup, she'd be so worried.

"Cindy," Regina's voice grew firm, "is this guy you mentioned really reliable?"

"Absolutely!" Cindy's voice brightened. "He's amazing! I have a great eye for people, and this guy is top-notch. He's kind, successful, and will treat you well."

Regina was silent for a moment before finally speaking. "Alright, I'll meet him."

"Great!" Cindy almost cheered. "I'll set it up for tomorrow at Starlight Café, 2 PM. How does that sound?"

"Okay," Regina replied briefly.

After hanging up, Regina looked up at the dark sky. The rain had lessened, but her mood hadn't improved. She didn't know if she could face a strange man tomorrow, but for her grandma, she had to try.

Meanwhile, Cindy put down the phone, a satisfied smile on her face. She turned to the man sitting across from her. "Mr. Semona, she agreed."

Douglas Semona nodded slightly, his long fingers tapping the table. He wore a well-tailored dark gray suit that highlighted his tall frame. His handsome face and deep eyes exuded intelligence.

"Your chance has finally come. All my efforts weren't in vain," Cindy said with a smile as Douglas pushed a check across the table to her.

Cindy's eyes lit up at the sight of the large sum. Douglas ignored her, gazing out at the rain. "Regina, do you remember me?" he murmured.

Douglas turned back to Cindy. "Tomorrow at 2 PM, Starlight Café. Make sure everything is set."

Cindy nodded eagerly. "Absolutely, I guarantee it."

The next afternoon, Regina stood outside Starlight Café, hesitating. She wore a simple black dress and had her hair in a ponytail, looking both professional and elegant. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door. The café's decor was elegant and serene, with soft jazz music playing in the background.

In the corner, a figure caught her eye.

A man sat there, his posture impeccable. He was dressed in a dark suit, and his sharp profile appeared especially three-dimensional in the soft lighting. As he turned his head, Regina couldn't help but hold her breath—his features were deep and refined, his eyes gentle yet sharp, exuding an indescribable charm.

Cindy hadn't exaggerated; this man was flawless in appearance. But Regina's instincts screamed caution. Why would a man like this need a blind date?

As she hesitated, the man noticed her and nodded slightly. Regina reluctantly walked over.

"Are you Mr. Semona?" she asked tentatively.

The man stood, a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I'm Douglas Semona. Hello, Regina."

Regina, as a voice actor, was extremely sensitive to voices. She was immediately drawn to Douglas' warm voice, making her want to listen to it endlessly.

"How do you know my name?" Regina asked, surprised.

Douglas's smile deepened. "Cindy told me. Please, have a seat."

After she sat, Douglas poured her a cup of coffee. His movements were graceful, exuding good manners.

"Do you remember me?" Douglas suddenly asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Regina was taken aback. "Have we met before?"

Douglas shook his head lightly, his smile unwavering. "No worries, I'm just someone Cindy introduced." But he thought to himself, 'She really doesn't remember me at all.'

It wasn't surprising. He kept a low profile and rarely appeared in public.

And that night, she had been drunk and the lights were off...

Regina nodded slightly, getting straight to the point. "I assume Cindy told you a bit about me. I'm 26, graduated from Normon University with a degree in foreign languages. I work as a translator at the Century Group and do voice acting on the side. My parents divorced when I was eight, and my grandma raised me." Her voice softened. "My grandma's health isn't good. Her biggest wish is to see me get married."

Douglas listened intently, his gaze warm and steady.

Regina paused, unsure if she should continue. Finally, she decided to be honest. "I just ended a relationship. We were together for six years, but I found out yesterday it was all a sham." Her voice trembled. "If you don't mind, we could try dating."

As she said this, Regina felt insincere. She knew she wasn't ready for a new relationship; she just needed a boyfriend to reassure her grandma.

Douglas seemed thoughtful. "You sound like you're in a hurry."

Regina looked down, embarrassed. "Yes, my grandma's condition has worsened. The doctor said she needs to stay happy. If she knew about my breakup, she'd be so worried."

Douglas was silent for a moment before speaking. "How about we skip the dating and get married right away?"

Regina looked up in shock, her coffee cup slipping from her hand and crashing to the floor, spilling coffee on her dress.

"What did you say?" She couldn't believe.