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, I called out,

into the elevator halted as she

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 website on Gøøglᴇ

out so unexpectedly, even I was caught

for words, pulling me into another

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

"Nonsense."

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

her some peace. She glanced towards her home's entrance, "After

"I..."

hesitated, "Can I

"Of course."

Summer already

the elevator

miss her

her, "Go on, traffic gets bad around here

"So..."

said, "Call me about anything,

doors closed, I turned around to find Edith staring

was still processing it

eyes, snapping her back to reality, her voice