Lost Me Gained Regret

"Don't worry about it now."

Glancing at the clock, Bella boasted with pride: "Time to get ready. Tonight, my darling daughter will be the belle of the ball."

The celebration was set in a six-star hotel in Vista Town.

The ballroom was lavish and spacious, glittering with lights, a high-class affair indeed, attended by the who's who of society.

By this time, guests had begun to arrive, entering in small groups with their invitations in hand.

Just as we reached the entrance of the ballroom, Gregory called to say he was on his way.

I hung up with a laugh, and Bella, seeing right through me, teased, "My future son-in-law is done with work?"

"Mom!" I blushed, protesting, "You just said you needed to vet him more."

Bella chuckled softly. "With how pleased you are, what's there to vet? I trust your choice. I believe the man you bring home is one in a million."

"Bella, one in a million? Future son-in-law?" Suddenly, a crisp voice came from behind.

Turning around, I saw Edith, arm in arm with Herbert, and holding Ike's hand, coming from the direction of the elevator. They made a striking pair, hard to believe they were a divorced couple.

Edith caught Bella by surprise. Before she could speak, Ike rushed towards me, exclaiming, "Auntie,

"There, there."

today, chosen by Bella, departed from my usual simple style, incorporating floral elements and a one-shoulder neckline that bloomed like a flower, adorned with exquisite embroidery. It was too delicate to hug Ike, but he obediently held

impeccably dressed in a suit,

nervous addressing Bella, "Sis, I came uninvited, but there are things I need to

ignoring the passing guests, he declared, "You don't have to worry about dragging me down anymore. The Taylor family is under my charge now. I can take care of you!" Touched by his declaration, knowing this man was my uncle and the woman beside me was

she mockingly retorted, "Back when you couldn't even change your diapers without crying for me, and

into laughter, almost

slightly, not embarrassed by the mention of his past, but instead looked earnestly at Bella, "Are you still mad at

I shifted our gaze back to Herbert, I smiled. "Uncle, mom has never been mad at

was taken aback, "What

"Let's

the guests still sparse, many who wished to network with Bella hesitated upon seeing Herbert, a figure of authority, and did not dare

quickly explained mine and

black card, "I didn't prepare

card,

old-fashioned... he sure knows how to give a gift. This black card alone could easily cover a luxury villa in Cloud Villas. Seeing Bella

are you thanking me

voice firm, "The Taylor family was always meant to include your mother and you. This