Lost Me Gained Regret

Watching the angel-faced toddler in front of me, it hit me that my previous fuss over him correcting how he addressed me was utterly unnecessary, and quite frankly, I might have even complicated things. Especially considering the relation within the Taylor family, when little Ike first called me "sis," he wasn't off the mark.

By relation, I was indeed his cousin. Realizing this, I couldn't help but find the mix of humor and irony in the situation.

Ike, a true social butterfly even at his young age, looked up at Bella with those big, charming eyes and called out, "Auntie Bella!"

"Hey there."

Bella responded, patting his head gently. Once Ike scampered off to the playroom, she turned to me, "You know, despite the kid having the last name Taylor, he sure takes after you - both in looks and in that charming personality." Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

What she meant was, the Taylors, or more specifically, Herbert Taylor, were not exactly the most pleasant bunch.

Edith wasn't the least bit offended. If anything, she felt like she found a kindred spirit, "You got that right, Bella! Herbert's demeanor is as outdated as a relic from the Victorian era. Can you imagine if Ike ended up like him? I shudder at the thought!"

Bella chuckled, clearly familiar with the Taylor family saga, teasingly asking, "So, does this mean you're considering a reunion with him?"

"Not in a million years!"

My response was firm, perhaps even a bit heated as I thought about it, "Being with him felt like being in a cage, always doubted, always questioned."

"In what way did he doubt you?" Bella inquired, curious.

"Well..."

whenever he was working in his study and I'd bring him a snack, he'd quickly stash away any documents he was working on. I know I shouldn't meddle in his work, but it's not

was a woman-to-woman moment;

certain discomfort in being guarded against by your

Gregory was the complete

place, taking over

multiple times to keep our stuff separate, worrying I

look at me, all casual like, "If I've given

...

knew Herbert's situation and temperament were worlds apart from

of tea,

it was part of the reason,"

upbringing was tough. Not many could

nodded, a hint

in her voice, "He

doted on him yet burdened him with high expectations from a very young age. He barely had a childhood, growing up

the weight of the Taylor family's legacy, always calculating his every move,

I paused,

Edith, leaving her puzzled. "He never mentioned any of this

Then, realizing something, she

Bella, surprised, "Bella,