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."

I escorted her to the elevator, on impulse,

halted as she turned around in disbelief, her eyes glistening, "You...

my foster parents passed away, calling anyone "Mom" felt incredibly difficult. When I initially thought Pearl could be my mother, I pondered countless times whether I could ever utter that word again. Turns out, I couldn't. I thought maybe the term was just too alien to me... sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt

unexpectedly, even I was caught

for words, pulling me into

managed a smile,

"Nonsense."

scolding before assuring me like a promise, "Jane, from now on,

my sudden acknowledgment brought her some peace. She glanced towards her home's entrance, "After tomorrow's celebration party, how

"I..."

"Can I think

"Of course."

didn't rush me, her previous interactions with Summer

the elevator

her to miss

bad around here

"So..."

breath, Bella said, "Call

the elevator doors closed, I turned around to find Edith staring at me

was still processing it

her voice