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."

the elevator, on impulse,

her step back into the elevator halted as she

utter that word again. Turns out, I couldn't. I thought maybe the term was just too alien to me... sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ

blurting it out so unexpectedly, even I was caught

loss for words, pulling me into another

and managed a smile, "When that pendant got lost, I thought I'd never

"Nonsense."

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

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

"Of course."

rush me, her previous interactions with Summer already showcased her as a very understanding

the elevator doors

to miss her engagement because of

gets bad

"So..."

said, "Call me

to find

still processing it

reality, her voice filled with disbelief, "Wait, what did Bella just say