The changing equations

Before Anna could react on the open display of Regan's affection, she was engulfed in a warm hug by Nathan who pecked her forehead and Grace who pecked her cheeks followed by Drake and Stella before leaving. She stood their startled when Emily cleared her throat and brought her out of the stupor.

"They seem to be a family of huggers and kissers, huh?" Emily exclaimed to reduce the awkwardness but earned a what-the-hell look from Jack.

Anna was already crimson on the public show of affection by all the Knights and Emily's comment did not help her a bit. She instantly excused herself and sprinted to her room by giving an excuse of being exhausted. However as soon as she left, Jack stated unhappily, "What a shameless brute! How dare he kiss my baby sister in front of everyone like that?"

"Don't worry son. I'll talk to him. I proposed him to marry her to which he denied. I should warn him to keep his hands off my princess until he agrees to marry her."

"What?"

Jack and Emily yelled in unison on the new piece of information that was accidentally disclosed by Richard who shrugged nonchalantly on their dramatic reaction. He then explained them his conversation with Regan along with the reason behind his denial. To say they were shocked would be an understatement. Nevertheless, they were happy with the turn of events as they took could clearly see the love and care of Regan towards Anna and her gradual acceptance towards his advances. They could see how the Knights already adored her and that was enough to bring content regarding her future as a part of their family.

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Regan was standing in his room, facing the large French window that gave him an enormous glimpse of the city wrapped under the bright lights. A contented smile was tugged on his face as he looked at the serene sky sparkling with stars just like his heart. He was reminiscing the earlier moments with Anna and their little banter when she was all herself without the barricades of sorrow or grief, laughing and running behind him to give him a piece of mind. Her acceptance that she liked him illuminated his heart with optimism and happiness of the future that seemed to be obscured without her. He was ecstatic to have a moment with her which only had the both of them. As it is said that eyes are the window of the soul, her doe eyes spoke more than her and easily conveyed her every emotion that he doubted that she was even able to understand. Her blush palpitated his heart especially after knowing that he was the reason behind it. His own love made him feel happier like never before. He didn't know how his heart would accommodate the happiness and content if some day, she would reciprocate his feelings and accept his love.

He looked at the clear sky and muttered softly, "You are like a rainbow in my life Anna, with so many colors and shadows. The more I know you, the more I admire you. You are so beautiful inside out. Sometimes, I doubt if I would be a good match for you."

"Undoubtedly."

Regan was startled when he heard Nathan behind him.

"Dad? How did you come here? I mean I just didn't realize you coming. Did you hear anything?"

Nathan chortled on his expressions as he could clearly see how stunned he was on his presence.

"Everything. And I am happy that I did. At least it cleared all of my doubts and I got to know about my son's heart."

Regan shook his head and flashed a smile. "I thought you already knew."

"Certainly, but it's good to hear it from you."

They both stood there for a while looking at the sky when Regan sighed and said, "It has only been some weeks since I know her, and she has become the most important part of my life. When I came to know about her past, I tried to go away from her, but I guess, all my efforts went in vain when I succumbed to my heart and accepted that I love her."

"Love isn't about the time you spend together. Its about the memories you create, and I am sure you have created many with her till now."

"Yeah." He turned towards Nathan who was standing beside him looking outside the window. "She has a past Dad."

"I know."

"How?"

"Because I am your father and wants the best for you. Knowing about the girl who has captured my son's heart isn't a big deal for me."

"I don't even know if she would ever overcome her past, if I would be able to replace him in her heart, if she would ever reciprocate my feelings. I have never feared anything in my life, but now I feel afraid to lose her."

Nathan looked at him and placed a hand on his shoulder to ease his anxious heart. "Regan love has the power to heal every wound. And about reciprocating your love, there is more pleasure in loving someone than in being loved. If she awakens your soul, fills your heart with ecstasy and brings peace to your mind, then you shouldn't have any doubts regarding your future with her. And last but not the least, you don't need to replace anyone in her life. Just be honest with your feelings, you will gradually earn a special place in her heart which would be irreplaceable."

"Thanks Dad. I really needed to hear that."

"Anytime Son." Nathan said and hugged him. "I am glad you chose her and trust me you are the best for her just as she is for you."

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Anna resumed her work after a couple of days much to Regan's dismay as he still wanted her to rest well. However, knowing how adamant and passionate she was regarding her profession, he succumbed to her wish. Nonetheless, he left no chance in displaying his care and affection towards her which also came into notice by others around them. Yet she was the only one who could cherish his softened gaze and calm demeanor as he was still the same old enigmatic and callous Regan Knight for others.

During one such afternoon, Regan had gone to a meeting with an investor whereas Anna was in her office with Drake to discuss about some legal issues about the land and construction. Within a couple of hours, everything was sorted, and she was appeased with the ongoing pace and operation of the activities towards the fulfillment of Ashton's dream project.

She audibly sighed and leaned on her chair with her gaze fixed on the picture of Ashton placed on table when Drake suddenly spoke bringing her out of the thoughts about Ashton. It was the first time when he had initiated a direct conversation with her which surprised her.

"You should take it easy. Everything is going well and I am sure that we are going to finish this project before the stipulated time period as we are way ahead in terms of planning and other legal matters."

She smiled. "I know but I just can't wait to see it accomplished at the earliest. I am sorry if I am overtaxing you with all this stuff."

"Let me share a secret. You are better than Reg. He can be worse when it comes to business, especially with the deals that he is keenly interested in."

Anna chuckled on hearing him. "He isn't that bad."

"Only for you." He whispered under his breath.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Saying that he stood up to leave but halted and looked at her contemplating if he should have a word with her. He was still remorseful for his acts and thoughts about her. His equation with Regan was improving as they were getting better after he apologized, yet he wanted to talk with Anna too to lessen his culpability.

"Anna do you have a moment?"

"Yes, of course."

She was baffled on his request as they had never talked before about anything other than business. Regardless, she gave him her undivided attention when he again took a seat across her pondering over something.

"I am thankful for what you did." She looked at him in confusion while he continued. "That day at your home, when you were dancing with Reg, I was passing by you and heard both of you talking about me. I was not intending to eavesdrop but when I heard you, I couldn't help and..."

"Oh!"

She didn't know how to respond him.

"It really helped me to patch up with Reg. I had my reasons for what I did and I am still guilty for that but as you said I never intended to hurt him. You made him understand my perspective, and I really appreciate your help."

"You don't need to for I did nothing. Your actions might have hurt him, but he is fortunate to have a friend like you."

"I really thought for a time that nothing would fill in the distance that was created between us due to my doings."

"True friends are never apart, may be they can in distance but never in heart. I just happen to be the right person to guide and support him when he needed and it worked out."

"Did he tell you what was it about?"

"No. And I don't think its my right to know about it. It's between you two and I am happy that I could be a little helpful in sorting things out."

"What if I say it was about you? Would you have advised him the same after knowing about it?"

She was shocked for a moment. Nonetheless, she gathered herself and replied, "Definitely. I am not that important to come in between you two. I wouldn't deny. I would certainly feel dejected of getting judged by you in a wrong way without knowing me, but as I said, when it comes to Regan... I know you would always wish the best for him. If speaking against me is good for him, I don't think as a friend you did anything wrong but don't put your precious kinship aside for such reasons if there are any."

He smiled in content on her answer. Her honesty touched him instantly and he could understand the reason behind Regan's liking towards her. There was no facade that she carried to deceit people. She was virtuous and truthful, one of the few people who wear their heart on their sleeve. Then and there, he decided to brace himself for Regan's support as he realized that no one could be better than her to own his dear friend's heart.