2025-01-20 01:17:46Regan’s hand reached out, clutching at her arm, “You know I told you, I'm saving for an important project, so if you keep spending carelessly, then I may never raise enough savings."
“So, now I spend carelessly, are you serious Regan? I am your girlfriend, so I should be the most important project in your life," Stacy’s voice was sharp and high, drawing more gazes in their direction. "Please, try to understand me, Stacy" “You know what, Regan? I’m tired of all your excuses," she cut him off, gathering her things with an abruptness that made her bag’s chain jingle sharply. "I made a huge mistake coming to a local place. What was I thinking?" Regan reached out for her hand, wanting to ground her, “Don’t be unreasonable Stacy, have a seat let’s talk about-” But she pulled her hand away with a sharp tug. “I’m leaving, Regan, so don’t bother calling me unless you are ready to give me the life I deserve.” He stood up, desperation clawing at his throat. "You don't have to do this, Stacy, you know I-," But her voice rose above his, cutting him off. "Bye, Regan," she said loudly, her heels clicking against the floor as she turned and walked out of the cafe, ignoring his outstretched hand. Her car engine roared to life, drowning out any chance of further conversation. Regan sank back onto his seat, his body feeling numb, the sound of the engine fading like a dying breath. The old couple at the next table looked at him with pity, their murmuring voices, "I feel so sorry for him, he’s such a handsome guy," and, “If he was my son, I’d never let him date such a mean girl,” filling the sudden silence. Regan bowed his head, feeling like he was being crushed by the weight of his failure. He buried his face in his hands, elbows on his thighs. Jeff and Anny quickly joined him at the table, a mix of concern and exasperation etched on their faces. "I told you, Regan. Stacy doesn't deserve you, but you keep letting her treat you like shit. Just look at you.” Jeff’s tone was harsh, but Regan could sense the concern behind the words. "Thanks a lot, Jeff. You just made Regan feel so much better,” Anny responded with a sarcastic tone, bending down to hold his hand. "I hate seeing you like this, Regan, and today really proved how much you love Stacy." Regan finally looked up at Anny, his eyes filled with pain. “I’ve done all I can, but it looks like nothing I do will ever satisfy her." His voice shook with emotion. “Do you love Stacy?” Anny asked softly, her eyes searching his. “Of course, I do. I love and care about her so much,” Regan replied, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and sincerity. "Oh, not again," Jeff groaned, rolling his eyes. "Common Regan, you'll only end up hurting yourself. You need to move on." "Must you always say what's on your mind?" Anny retorted, her voice sharp. “Of course I have to,” Jeff shot back, his hands going up in frustration. "You know what, Jeff? I don’t blame you for speaking the way you do because you’ve never fallen in love, so you have no right to tell me what to do. You hear me?” Regan's voice was sharp, laced with a sudden anger. “Oh, so now I’m the bad guy, but you know what? I'm out of here. And I have just one word for you, Regan, when Stacy is done shattering your heart to pieces, don’t come looking for me, 'cause I warned you but you didn’t listen.” Jeff got up and stormed away, back towards the counter. “Can't you guys be mature for once?" Anny sighed, looking from Jeff’s retreating figure to Regan. “But he started it,” Regan muttered defensively. “If you love Stacy as you claim, then go to her,” Anny said, giving his hand a squeeze. “Try talking with her to see if you guys can come to an agreement, but if this doesn’t work out, then I’m sorry, Regan, but you’ll have to move on.” With a gentle smile, she too walked away. Regan pondered her words. Perhaps he was clinging to an illusion. But a flicker of hope remained, and he decided to give it one last shot. He stood up, a newfound resolve hardening his features. “I’m going after her,” he announced, his voice carrying a newfound strength. "Wish me luck, guys.” Anny turned to him and offered a bright smile, “You know we’ll always have your back.” Regan turned towards Jeff, but he was pointedly ignoring him, his back to the cafe floor, his face down claiming he was writing some important info. “See you guys later,” Regan said as he walked towards the door. He hailed a taxi, his thoughts racing. He wasn't going to plead; he was going to understand. Arriving at the hotel, a wave of apprehension washed over him, the luxury of the place a harsh contrast to his simple life. He texted Stacy - “I'm at the hotel. If you want to talk, you know where to find me” - before entering, but decided to turn off his phone after sending the text. He paced anxiously in the lobby for what felt like hours, his mind a whirlwind of confusion, anger, and a desperate longing for understanding. When Stacy didn’t appear, he decided to give up and just go home. He was tired and all he needed was sleep. He decided to stop by his childhood home – the one he had shared with his mother before she passed away – to pick up some new clothes. He couldn’t bear going back to his own apartment just yet, the place was too infused with memories of Stacy. It felt like she was in every corner, every shadow, every breath he took. As he stepped out of the hotel, a young girl, no more than seven or eight years old, approached him, her small hands clutching a bouquet of red roses. “Mister, buy some beautiful roses?” she asked, her voice as sweet as the scent of the flowers. Regan’s heart ached at the sight of the roses, the deep red hue a reminder of the love he had once felt. Without a word, he took out his wallet and purchased the whole bouquet, a gesture born from a sudden, bittersweet impulse. He couldn’t explain why, but something told him to buy the flowers. As he walked towards the taxi, he could feel the stares from people around. He wasn’t sure what they were thinking, but he felt the roses gave him some sort of strength. He imagined he was giving them to Stacy. The taxi driver watched as Regan entered the taxi with his roses and silently smiled, wishing him well.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
REGAN RAY UNBOWED Chapter Three
The drive to his old home was short, the familiar streets stirring both comfort and a sharp pang of loss in his heart. He hadn't visited much since his mom’s passing; the house felt too heavy with memories. He took the key from his pocket, its familiar weight grounding him, and unlocked the front door.The house was eerily silent, an echoing emptiness that amplified the absence of his mother. He called out, “Mom?” even though he knew she wouldn’t answer, the habit ingrained too deeply. He walked upstairs, the familiar creak of the wooden steps a comforting sound, but a noise from the master bedroom drew his attention. His heart began to pound in his chest, the gentle ache of loss morphing into a sharp, piercing dread. His hand hesitated on the door handle. What could be happening? His fingers, tight and trembling, pushed the door open, and his eyes struggled to process what he was seeing.His step-father, the man who had stolen his mother's love and her money, was in bed with Stacy. H
REGAN RAY UNBOWED Chapter Four
Regan’s body lay sprawled on the cold floor, his limbs heavy and unresponsive. A dull ache throbbed at the back of his head, a persistent reminder of the brutal blow that had sent him crashing into unconsciousness. Slowly, painstakingly, his senses began to return. A hazy blur of light filled his vision, and it took several blinks before the room sharpened into focus.He tried to move, to push himself up, but his body protested with a sluggishness that infuriated him. He groaned, a low sound of pain escaping his lips as the sharp pain at the back of his head shot through him once more. He managed to roll onto his side, his back resting against the cool surface of the bed, and slowly, painfully, he pulled himself into a sitting position.As his awareness sharpened, the memories crashed into him with the force of a tidal wave. Stacy’s cruel words, her mocking laughter, the sickening image of her and his stepfather intertwined in a betrayal so profound it seemed to tear at the very fabri
REGAN RAY UNBOWED Chapter Five
"I'm on my way," Regan said, his voice tight with a suppressed rage as he ended the call. Anger boiled through his veins, a molten fury that threatened to consume him. He fisted his hands at his side, the pressure in his grip so intense it felt like he could crush a stone at this point, his knuckles whitening with the effort. They've crossed the line now, the absolute limit, he thought. I'm not going to let them get away with this. "You've crossed the line, Mr. Alfred," he spat out, the words thick with venom, as he angrily stormed out of the room. He kicked the door with such force that the house seemed to tremble from the impact. He rushed down the stairs, his steps long and deliberate, his focus narrowed to a single point: vengeance. He could feel the heavy thud of his footsteps resonating through the empty house, each one echoing his burning fury. He headed out of the exit door, his breath coming out in short, sharp puffs. He burst through the garage door. In a few swift motions
REGAN RAY UNBOWED Chapter Six
Regan's jaw clenched, the snickering whispers of the staff a painful sting to his pride. He knew they were just trying to protect their jobs, but their words, dripping with judgment, still cut deep. He took a deliberate breath, forcing down the anger that was threatening to erupt. He needed to stay calm, focus, and deal with the real threat: Alfred and his ridiculous charade. This wasn't just about the restaurant anymore; it was a fight, a fight against people being unfair and cruel. The question wasn't just if Regan could win, but how far he was willing to go to do it. And he was ready to go as far as needed. Then, Regan heard the workers whispering. "Isn't that Regan's girlfriend with another man?" one worker said quietly. "I guess she didn't want a broke guy like Regan," another worker chuckled, sounding mean. "He deserved it," said another, rolling her eyes. "Who does he think he is, dating a girl like that?" "Such a shame," another worker said, shaking his head. Regan's ea
REGAN RAY UNBOWED Chapter Seven
He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. He wouldn't let them see him rattled. "Fine, Alfred," he said, his voice deceptively calm, "We'll leave. But this isn't over. I'm not giving up on my family's restaurant so easily, you haven’t seen the last of me." He turned towards Anny, who had been watching the exchange with a mixture of fear and growing determination. "Anny," he said softly, "Let's go." He gave her a small reassuring nod, trying to convey more confidence than he felt. As they walked out of the restaurant, Regan couldn't shake the feeling of defeat gnawing at his insides. The restaurant, the heart of his family’s legacy was slipping away, not with a bang but with a calculated smirk and a few well-placed lies. Outside, the midday sun seemed unusually harsh, casting long, distorted shadows. Anny followed Regan to his bike, her steps hesitant, mirroring his own confused emotions. "Regan," she said, her voice barely a whisper, "What are we going to do? He really is
REGAN RAY UNBOWED Chapter Eight
Regan reluctantly braked, drawing his bike to a halt as a park came into view. The free atmosphere seemed a welcome respite, a chance to momentarily escape the pain gnawing at him from within. After scouting a secure spot, he parked his bike and ambled into the park. His gaze swept across the tranquil expanse, settling on an invitingly empty bench. He made his way over and eased down onto the seat. Above, the tree canopy offered a perfect dappled shade, filtering the sunlight into a comforting glow. The gentle breeze, coupled with the charming scene of children playing nearby, proved just enough to momentarily distract him from his torment. As Regan watched the children interact joyously with their mothers, memories flooded his mind, painting a vivid picture of his own childhood visits to this very park. The nostalgic recollections were bittersweet, a poignant reminder of simpler, happier times. But just as he was about to lose himself entirely in reverie, the distinct sound o
REGAN RAY UNBOWED Chapter Nine
Mr. Roger nodded, his expression becoming more serious. "Twisted how?" Regan hesitated, the shame and anger welling up inside him. "She… she cheated on me." Mr. Roger's eyebrows rose slightly. "That's never easy. Affairs of the heart can be quite messy." "It's not just that," Regan continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's who she cheated with." Mr. Roger leaned forward slightly, his gaze intent. "Who?" Regan swallowed hard, forcing the words out. "My stepfather." The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the distant sound of children playing. Mr. Roger's expression didn't change immediately, but Regan could see a flicker of something – shock, perhaps, or maybe disgust – in his eyes. "Your stepfather," Mr. Roger repeated, his voice low and measured. "That's… that's a particularly cruel betrayal." Regan nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "They've been seeing each other behind my back for months, maybe longer. I had no idea. I trusted them both."
REGAN RAY UNBOWED Chapter Ten
Regan finally arrived home, the echoes of Mr. Roger's cryptic pronouncements swirling in his mind, a strange counterpoint to the day's heavy despair. "Remember the name Roger Corporations..." The words were an odd comfort, a spark of possibility in the darkness. He shrugged off his jacket and sank into the worn cushions of his favorite armchair, intending to clear his head. But exhaustion claimed him swiftly, pulling him into a deep slumber.The shrill ring of his phone jolted him awake. Sunlight streamed through the grimy window, painting the familiar squalor of his living room in harsh detail. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his neck stiff and protesting from the awkward angle of his doze. The caller ID showed "Jeff.""Regan, man, you okay?" Jeff's voice crackled through the speaker. "We need to meet, strategize. You said you wanted to hit back at Alfred, right? Anny and I have been cooking up something."Regan groaned, the weight of his problems crashing down on him anew. "Yeah,
Latest Chapter
Chapter Forty
The successful planting of the hidden cameras had injected a fresh dose of adrenaline into Regan and his team. It was a victory, a significant step forward in their plan to dismantle Alfred’s empire and bring him to justice.Regan’s eyes gleamed with a fierce determination. “This is just the beginning,” he said, his voice low and intense. “Now, the real work begins. We need to watch Alfred, every move he makes, every word he utters. We need to gather as much intelligence as possible.”He turned to Anny, his expression serious. “Anny, you’re in charge of monitoring the feeds. You have the best eye for detail. I trust you to catch everything important.”Anny nodded, her fingers already flying across the keyboard. “Don’t worry, Regan,” she said. “I’ve got this. I’ve set up the screens in the main room. We’ll have a clear view of every camera, every angle.”Jeff clapped Regan on the shoulder, his expression approving. “Good work, boss,” he said. “We’re finally one step ahead of that basta
Chapter Thirty-nine
They strolled through the garden, the fresh air filling their lungs. Zuke spoke of his own experiences with loss, of the importance of remaining strong, of never giving up hope.As they walked, Zuke suddenly stopped, his expression serious. “My work here is done, Regan,” he said, his voice firm. “You have learned everything I can teach you. It is time for me to return home.”Regan felt a pang of sadness. He had grown to respect Zuke, to value his wisdom and his guidance.“Thank you, Zuke,” Regan said, his voice sincere. “For everything. You’ve changed my life.”Zuke nodded, his eyes meeting Regan’s. “You had the potential all along, Regan,” he said. “I merely helped you to unlock it.”He paused, his expression thoughtful. “When I was a student, my master, bestowed a very priceless possession on me , a possession that was priceless and had been kept for generation and told me only to give it to a student of mine that shows worthy. You are that student Regan.”Zuke reached into his bag
Chapter Thirty-eight
Regan, armed with the new evidence, sent another anonymous tip to Alfred, this time including the photograph of Stacy meeting with Victor Marino. The message was brief, but devastating: "Is your empire crumbling around you? Maybe you should watch your friends a little closer."Back at the safe house, Regan gathered his team, his face beaming with anticipation.“It’s done,” he announced, his voice filled with excitement. “We sent Alfred the photograph of Stacy meeting with Marino, letting him know she is working behind his back. The stage is set. They are about to turn on each other.” Regan couldn't help but think things were about to get very interesting, very soon.And Regan, with the information he had, was ready to orchestrate the chaos, to watch Stacy and Alfred's world implode, bringing him closer to claiming the restaurant, and his revenge. Regan knew that every move they made had to be calculated, precise, and swift. Stacy and Alfred were cornered animals, and cornered animals
Chapter Thirty-seven
He pulled out another document from his bag, a detailed proposal outlining his strategy. He explained how they could use a shell company to make the offer, how they could negotiate the price, how they could avoid raising Alfred’s suspicions.As Jeff spoke, Regan listened intently, his mind racing, analyzing every detail, anticipating every potential problem. He knew that this was a risky undertaking, but he was confident that they could pull it off. They were smart, they were resourceful, and they were united in their goal. He had a personal vendetta now, and he wouldn't let anything stand in his way."There's one more thing," Jeff said, his voice becoming serious. "We're not the only ones who are interested in buying the restaurant."Regan's eyebrows furrowed, his expression questioning. "What do you mean?""There's another buyer," Jeff explained. "Someone who's also trying to get their hands on the restaurant. I don't know who they are, or what they want, but they're definitely a th
Chapter Thirty-six
The air in the safe house crackled with unspoken tension. Regan's abrupt dismissal of the meeting had left everyone on edge, a flurry of questions and theories swirling in their minds. The weight of the unknown was heavy, amplified by Jeff's conspicuous absence and the cryptic message he had delivered.An hour later, the silence was shattered by the screech of tires as a car raced up to the safe house. Jeff burst through the door, his face flushed, his eyes alight with a mixture of excitement and urgency."Regan, we need to talk," he blurted out, his voice breathless. "Now. It's…it's big."He strode towards Regan, oblivious to the curious and anxious glances of the others. Anny, her patience stretched to its limit, stepped forward, her arms crossed defiantly."Okay, spill it, Jeff," she demanded, her voice sharp. "What's going on? What did you tell Regan on the phone? I'm tired of being kept in the dark."Regan placed a hand on Anny's arm, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry, Anny,"
Chapter Thirty-five
Mr. Roger greeted him with a warm embrace, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "Zuke, my old friend," he said, his voice filled with affection. "It's good to see you."Zuke nodded curtly, his gaze sweeping across the safe house. "Roger," he replied, his voice deep and gravelly. "Good to be here."Mr. Roger turned to Regan, his expression filled with pride. "Regan, this is Zuke. He's the best there is."Regan stepped forward, extending his hand. "It's an honor to meet you, sir," he said, his voice respectful. "I've heard a lot about you."Zuke grasped Regan's hand, his grip like a vise. "I know who you are, Regan," he said, his eyes boring into Regan's. "I know what you've been through. I know what you want."He released Regan's hand, his expression hardening. "I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to make you a weapon. Are you ready for that?"Regan met Zuke's gaze, his jaw clenching with determination. "I was born ready," he replied, his voice unwavering.And so, the training began. F
Chapter Thirty-four
The weight of the revelation settled upon Regan, solidifying his resolve. Hearing the history, understanding the motivations, had transformed his desire for revenge into something more profound: a commitment to protect his family’s legacy and uphold their values. He looked at Mr. Roger, his heart filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Grandpa," Regan said, his voice laced with sincerity. "For telling me everything. It means a lot." Mr. Roger nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and concern. "I know you're angry, Regan. And you have every right to be. But don't let that anger consume you. Don't let it turn you into something you're not." Regan met his grandfather's gaze, his expression firm. "I won't, Grandpa. I promise. I'm not going to let Alfred win. I'm going to bring him to justice, but I'm going to do it the right way. I'm going to do it with honor." He paused, his voice hardening with determination. "But I need to be prepared. I need to be ready for anything. I don't
Chapter Thirty-three
Regan made his way to his grandfather's chambers, a sense of purpose hardening his resolve. The brief respite with his friends had been a welcome distraction, but the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders. He needed to understand the past, to unravel the tangled web of family history that had led to this moment.He found Mr. Roger seated in his favorite armchair, a worn leather album resting on his lap. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air, casting a warm glow on the aged photographs.Mr. Roger looked up as Regan entered, a sad smile gracing his lips. "Come in, Regan. I was just…reminiscing."Regan approached cautiously, sensing the somber mood that permeated the room. He sat down beside his grandfather, his gaze drawn to the album."What are you looking at, Grandpa?" Regan asked softly, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.Mr. Roger sighed, his fingers gently tracing the edges of a faded photograph. "Just some ol
Chapter Thirty-two
Regan and Mr. Roger remained by David’s side, their vigil unbroken. The minutes stretched into hours, each tick of the clock a painful reminder of David’s precarious state. The rhythmic beeping of the machines was a constant, oppressive presence, a stark contrast to the vibrant life that was currently suspended within David’s still form.As dawn approached, a home nurse, hired by Mr. Roger, entered the room. She was a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a gentle demeanor, radiating a sense of calm professionalism.“Mr. Regan, Mr. Roger,” she said softly, her voice respectful. “I’m here to take over. You both need to get some rest. I’ll watch over Mr. David from here.”Regan shook his head, his eyes bloodshot and weary. “I can’t leave him,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I need to be here.”Mr. Roger placed a hand on Regan’s shoulder, his touch firm but gentle. “Regan, the nurse is right. You need to rest. You’ve been up all night. You can’t keep going like this. You’ll break down.”Rega
