Lost Me Gained Regret

"No worries."

Bella flashed me a smile, taking my hand gently. "I'm not here for a dress fitting either."

Edith, puzzled, asked, "Then why?"

"Ask Jane about it."

Glancing at the clock, Bella stood up and explained to me, "Jane, I've got a dinner planned with the brand team. How about you join us?"

"I... I'd rather not."

Previously, whenever she facilitated connections for me, I always navigated those moments with a sense of social obligation.

But now that she had suddenly become my... mother, I was still trying to wrap my head around it.

She didn't press, only tentatively asking, "How about I have Ivy pick you up for the celebration party at Cloud Villas tomorrow? Would that be okay?"

Ivy was her most trusted aide.

Having Ivy pick me up, to then head to the celebration party from Cloud Villas together, signified her intention to publicly acknowledge my background, seeking my consent in the process.

I pursed my lips, nodding in agreement, "Okay."

the elevator, on

the elevator halted as she turned around in disbelief,

I could ever utter that word again. Turns out, I couldn't. I thought maybe the term was just too alien

so unexpectedly, even I

for

her back, fighting back tears, and managed a smile, "When that pendant got

"Nonsense."

a promise, "Jane, from now on, whatever happens,

peace. She glanced towards her home's entrance, "After tomorrow's celebration party, how about moving

"I..."

hesitated, "Can I think

"Of course."

didn't rush me, her previous interactions with Summer already

elevator doors about

not wanting her to miss her engagement because

gets bad around here during rush

"So..."

said, "Call me about anything,

to find Edith staring at me in

still

my hand in front of her eyes, snapping her back to reality, her