Lost Me Gained Regret

His voice, clear and unusually solemn, combined with the depth of emotion drowning in his eyes, made me forget to breathe.

My heart skipped a beat, yearning to nod in agreement, unable to muster any objection. But I wasn't in my early twenties anymore. After a few breaths, reason took over.

I pursed my lips lightly, "I think I want to wait... until all these things settle down."

Seeing the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, worried he might misunderstand, I couldn't help but explain, "These issues are like ticking time bombs. Whether it's Palmer, Dorothy Pearl, Kane, or the mastermind behind it all, having a child now would only give them and our worries more leverage. Gregory, I too wish for us to start a family soon, I believe we'll strive to be great parents."

"But not now."

"Jane,"

Gregory's lips curled into a smile, "Do you ever feel like you're talking like a player? Like I'm the young stud you're keeping."

I choked, unable to find a rebuttal.

In those clichéd affair stories, it seemed the men always promised the women: Don't worry, we'll have kids, but not now.

he started the car, gently saying,

afraid of missing any

"Really."

steering with one hand while ruffling my hair, probing, "But

"We can."

eyebrow, "I haven't

you're

held his handsome, slender hand, ding, "Though

softly

slim, I promise you, if it happens, I'll do everything to protect

my anticipation for a child was as strong as

preferring to

the hospital, my grandmother was awake, stretching her limbs in the living room with the

entered, saying, "Ramona, how are you feeling?

Mr. Abdul's