Her Return, His Regret by Natie

When Ryan popped the chilli pepper into his mouth and quickly chewed it, he didn't feel anything at first but a faint tingle.

However, a sudden explosion of heat tore through his senses, making him feel like he had dipped his face into a pot of boiling water.

His eyes grew wider, turning red in an instant as they reacted to the heat and he struggled to keep his expression calm.

He continued to chew the chilli, his mouth feeling like someone had lit a match and set his taste buds on fire. Jack Davis glanced at Ryan and asked, "Is it hot? Spit it out now... I know you can't take it." Ryan shook his head, determination etched on his face. He said through gritted teeth, "It's not so bad. I can handle it... this is nothing compared to what Lora went through." Jack arched an eyebrow but he kept quiet and let Ryan continue. He was waiting for the moment the young man would give up.

However, Ryan continued to chew the chilli until it was done and down his throat, even as the heat in his mouth intensified, burning his tongue and making his throat feel like it was dipped into an active volcano, he was determined to pass the test. Beads of sweat coated his forehead and his face turned as red as a tomato. His eyes fluttered shut, blinking furiously as his vision turned glassy with tears.

'Fuck!' Ryan cussed internally, not wanting to make a sound.

He resisted the urge to fan his mouth with his hand or look around for something that could cool the inferno in his mouth. His mind screamed desperately for water but he clenched his hands into fists, holding himself back as much as possible. However, the heat only seemed to linger in his mouth and throat, spreading rapidly like a wildfire.

Jack laughed when he saw Ryan's expression and asked, "So, Ryan, how is it? Do you still want a second chance with my daughter? If you give up now, I'll give you smilk to ease the heat." Ryan coughed violently, sticking his tongue out as though the air would cool off the burning sensation. He shook his head and replied in a strained voice, "No... never." Jack furrowed his eyebrows. He didn't expect Ryan to be so resilient. As a chilli lover himself, not even he could eat the whole raw chilli and endure twenty minutes without drinking any water to wash it down.

"Ryan, you don't need to force yourself... just give up and I'll help you feel better," Jack remarked, narrowing his eyes at Ryan.

However, Ryan shook his head. By now, his eyes were bloodshot and his lips were red and swollen. He stared at Jack and stated, "I agreed to take this test..... and I'll pass by all means if it means you would forgive me." Jack sighed heavily. He could see that Ryan was really determined to make amends. However, could he really entrust him with his daughter? He glanced towards the mansion and gestured with his hand. Soon, someone cwith a tray and a glass of milk.

"That's enough," Jack said, getting the glass of milk and passing it to Ryan. "You've already passed the test." Ryan's heart leaped with joy. He quickly took the glass and gulped the milk down, however, he could still feel the effects of the chilli and his insides were burning up.

"What is it?" Jack asked when he saw Ryan's expression. "Do you have a complaint to make?" "No, I don't..." Ryan said, forcing a smile. He knew he was about to get sick but it was worth it.

Jack nodded and replied, "I won't interfere but if I feel like you're not good enough for my daughter, I won't allow you near her again." Meanwhile, inside the mansion, Lora glanced at her mother and asked worriedly, "What do you think they are talking about?" Freya chuckled and replied, "Knowing your father, he's probably up to no good." "Mommy, is Grandpa going to scold Daddy?" Ella asked Lora.

Lora looked at her daughter and sighed when she saw how worried the little one was. She wondered how she could already be so attached to Ryan when theyjust met.

"No, baby. Grandpa and Daddy are just having a little chat," Lora responded warmly.

Ella frowned and asked, "But why are they taking so long? I want to play with Daddy." Lora chuckled and said, "They will be back very soon. You can play with your father but he will have to go back hsoon." "Isn't he going to live with us?" Ella asked and Lora's breath caught in her throat.

Freya chipped in to save Lora from replying. She said, "Ella, I have made your favorite dessert. Do you wantto give you some?" Ella's eyes lit up. She exclaimed, "Yes, Yes! I want some!" "Cwith me... you too, Ethan," Freya remarked and led her grandchildren to the dining area.

Lora let out a sigh of relief. She glanced at her phone and saw twenty missed calls from Jason. Guilt crept into her... Jason had been calling but she didn't answer because she didn't know what to say to him.

She was about to call him back when she heard the doors open. Soon, Jack walked into the living room, followed by a very pale Ryan.

Lora furrowed her eyebrows. Ryan looked like he was about to pass out at any moment.

She approached Ryan and asked, "Ryan, are you ok?" Ryan forced a smile, trying to hide the pain he was feeling. He remarked, his voice hoarse. "I'm good." "You don't look fine to me-" Ryan suddenly leaned forward and placed his head on Lora's shoulder, breathing heavily.

Lora gasped when she felt how hot his body was. She glanced at her father and asked, "What happened out there?" Jack averted his daughter's gaze before saying, "I might have forced him to eat the world's hottest chilli."

Lora's stomach sank and her eyes grew wide. She yelled, "Dad, Ryan can't eat anything spicy! Call the doctor, how!" "No..." Ryan suddenly mumbled. "I just need to sleep. I'll be fine." Lora frowned but she still helped

him upstairs before taking him to the guest room. She found something to give him for his stomach and watched over him..... her stomach knotting with worry.

When night fell, she was about to leave the guest room when Ryahn grabbed her hand and whispered, "Stay with me."