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."

her to the elevator, on impulse, I called

back into the elevator halted as she turned around in disbelief, her eyes

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

out so unexpectedly,

loss for words, pulling me

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

"Nonsense."

me like a promise, "Jane, from now on, whatever happens, you've

home's entrance, "After tomorrow's celebration party, how about moving into

"I..."

"Can I

"Of course."

didn't rush me, her previous interactions with Summer already showcased her as a very understanding

elevator doors about

to miss her engagement

"Go on, traffic gets bad around here

"So..."

breath, Bella said,

I turned around to find Edith staring

was still

hand in front of her eyes, snapping her back to reality, her voice filled