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."

on impulse, I called out,

in her tracks, her step back into the elevator halted as she

again. Turns out, I couldn't. I thought maybe the term was just too alien to me... sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels

out so unexpectedly,

was at a loss for words, pulling me into another

and managed a smile, "When that pendant got lost, I thought I'd never find you

"Nonsense."

promise, "Jane,

my sudden acknowledgment brought her some peace. She glanced towards her home's

"I..."

hesitated, "Can I think

"Of course."

her previous interactions with Summer already showcased her as

the elevator

miss her engagement because

bad around

"So..."

deep breath, Bella said, "Call me about

to find Edith staring at me in total

was still processing it

back to reality, her