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, "Mom, be

halted as

thought Pearl could be my mother, I pondered countless times whether I could ever utter that word again. Turns out, I

blurting it out so unexpectedly, even I was caught

loss for words, pulling

a smile, "When that pendant got lost, I thought

"Nonsense."

before assuring me like a promise,

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

"I..."

hesitated, "Can I

"Of course."

interactions with Summer already

elevator doors about

to miss her

traffic gets bad around here during

"So..."

a deep breath, Bella said, "Call

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

was still

front of her eyes, snapping her back to reality, her voice filled with disbelief, "Wait, what did Bella just say she