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."

to the elevator, on impulse, I called out, "Mom, be

back into the elevator halted as

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

out so unexpectedly, even I

loss for words,

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

"Nonsense."

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

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

"I..."

I think it

"Of course."

her previous interactions with Summer already

elevator

miss her engagement because of me,

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

"So..."

deep breath, Bella said, "Call

around to find Edith staring at me

was still processing

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