Lost Me Gained Regret

Chapter 39

Mark seemed oblivious to any undercurrent in the conversation or perhaps chose not to delve deeper. With a gentle smile, he said, “No worries. Why don’t you all wash up?

Dinner’s almost ready.”

Mark was quite the chef. The table was laden with dishes that were a feast for the senses, making everyone’s mouth water.

Steven and Christine couldn’t stop singing his praises.

I couldn’t help but join in, “Mark, your cooking skills are totally amazing!”

“Give it a try, see if you like it,” Mark encouraged as he brought out the last two dishes, placing a plate of spicy shrimp in front of me with a warm smile. “You should like this

one.”

I was

surprised.

Aside from Christine, everyone assumed my taste was similar to Bryant’s-very mild. But before I could speak up, Bryant’s cool voice interjected, “She can’t handle spicy food. You might have been close in college, but you clearly don’t know her taste…”

playful despite the seriousness of her words, “after all this time together, where has your

a sobering reminder.

where had his attention been?

adapted to his preferences, yet he never took

of confusion in his eyes. “You

maintaining eye contact with his beautiful, deep-set eyes as I earnestly replied, “Bryant, I

atmosphere turned even more awkward.

knew it wasn’t the right moment for such

was not known for his patience, and this only served to spoil what

ever going to be a “right” time? Could i never

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Chapter 39

so willful, lowered his proud head in front of

now on, we’ll make meals

heart swelling with a bittersweet

but it wasn’t

made it all the more

to