Chapter 12: Confrontation

Regina's steps were deliberate, her anger palpable as she approached Emma. The set buzzed with activity, but at that moment, the air felt thick with tension. Emma scanned her surroundings, sensing the eyes on them, and quickly guided Regina into her dressing room, shutting the door behind them.

The confrontation began, Regina not holding back her emotions. "I'm not in the habit of sleeping with people I don't know," she declared, her frustration evident. "You could have said something instead of sneaking away like a bandit."

Emma sighed, running a hand through her hair, feeling the weight of the situation. "Regina, you know I can't show favoritism. If people knew about us, it would look biased."

"The only thing you cared about was that you looked straight," Regina retorted, her voice laced with bitterness. "I know you can't look biased, but this... the timing, the secrecy, our encounter happened after my competition, not before. The now of it all is beside the point. You used me, and you know it. You could have said something, even afterward. But no, you disappeared like it meant nothing."

Emma took a step closer, trying to convey sincerity. "Regina, it's not that it meant nothing. It's just that if people found out, it would complicate things, and I can't afford to be seen as playing favorites."

"Yes, that's the problem right now." Regina eyes bore into Emma's, her frustration unabated. "You spared me a loss, but I don't care about that. I'd sue if I lost unfairly. What I care about is that you didn't think I deserved at the very least a goodbye."

Emma exhaled, realizing the depth of Regina's hurt. "I'm sorry. I should have said something. But you have to understand the position I'm in. It's not just about us; it's about my career."

Regina's laughter echoed in the small dressing room, a mix of bitterness and amusement. "So, how does it feel to hide in that closet, Emma?" she quipped, a smirk playing on her lips.

Emma sighed, crossing her arms defensively. "Regina, if we had a relationship, you wouldn't be here on Next Food Channel Star. It's about fairness and impartiality."

Rolling her eyes, Regina countered, "A producer begged me to compete, Emma. I don't need to be here, but I'm going to win it."

Emma met Regina's gaze, a challenge in her eyes. "Well, you better make sure you brought your A game. No matter how good you were in bed, I'll be honest about what goes in my mouth."

The tension in the room thickened, each word an unspoken battle. Regina, confident and unyielding, and Emma, determined to uphold the integrity of the competition. The air crackled with unresolved feelings and the weight of secrets that hung between them.

Regina walked away from Emma with a frustrated clip, pulling her phone out to check for any new messages. As she scrolled through, she paused when she saw her smiling son's face. "Is that Henry?" Kathryn asked, catching Regina off guard.

Regina jumped and moved the phone close to her chest, a guarded expression on her face. "Was this the show you told me about at the airport?" Regina asked as she resumed her walk toward the cars outside the studio.

"No... that whole thing flopped. But luckily a chef dropped out last minute, and I was able to screen test," Kathryn explained.

"I see," Regina said, placing the phone in her pocket.

"Can I see him?" Kathryn asked, her voice softening.

Regina sighed. "Kath..."

"He's my son too, Regina."

"You never signed those papers," Regina stated.

"Please," Kathryn pleaded.

Regina handed her the phone, and Kathryn whispered, "He's so beautiful, Reg..." Their conversation was interrupted as Emma passed by them in a flurry.

Regina and Emma's eyes met briefly as she passed. "You should visit him sometime. He misses you," Regina murmured.

"Reg... You knew I thought we were moving much too fast," Kathryn continued.

"Kathryn, I was going through the process when I met you. You agreed to do it with me and then left after he got attached to you. You have no right to do that to this little boy," Regina replied.

"I'm sorry, okay?" Kathryn said.

"Look, we didn't work, that's fine. We don't have to talk. We're competing. Just stay out of my way," Regina stated, walking away and climbing into her town car. She let out a breath, realizing that this competition came with more confrontation than she had initially anticipated.