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

the elevator halted as

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

unexpectedly, even I

a loss for words, pulling

tears, and managed a smile, "When

"Nonsense."

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

home's entrance, "After tomorrow's celebration party,

"I..."

I think

"Of course."

interactions with Summer already showcased

the elevator doors about

her to miss her engagement because

"Go on, traffic gets bad around here during rush hour."

"So..."

a deep breath, Bella said, "Call me about

around to find Edith staring at me in

was still processing it

her