Lost Me Gained Regret

The anticipation was thick in the air, almost palpable.

The day of the gala had dawned surprisingly bright and clear, a stark contrast to the dreary, rain-soaked days that had preceded it. Vista Town's elite and a smattering of celebrities usually glimpsed only on screen graced the event, making the hotel's entrance a parade of luxury cars and eager reporters.

Catching sight of the cameras, I couldn't help but express my amazement, "My mom really went all out with this."

Beside me, Gregory nonchalantly agreed, "Yeah, the scale of this thing is kind of stressing me out."

I thought he shared my sentiment until he added, "Makes me think I'll have to go even bigger for our wedding."

I was speechless.

I sneaked in through the back door into the green room.

Bella's eyes lit up when she saw me. "My daughter looks stunning."

Despite my excitement, nerves tingled through me.

Feeling the sweat in my palms, she guided me to sit down on a couch. "Take a breather. Ivy will come fetch you when it's your turn."

I nodded.

Before leaving, Bella turned to Gregory, saying, "Try to calm her down a bit, will you? She's still pregnant, and even at three months, we can't have her getting too stressed." "Of course, Bella."

Gregory settled next to me after Bella left.

He asked, "Want me to say anything in particular?"

"I don't even know..."

"Okay."

Suddenly, he knelt in front of me, "I've been trying to comfort you all morning with no luck. It's hard to control physiological responses."

"But, I might have a slightly unconventional solution."

Intrigued and too preoccupied to question his logic, I went along with it, believing in him.

"What's the plan?"

could propose

...

hall and the reporters found their spots, the

sure you've all heard the rumors. When I initially denied any relationship

I'd like to

Pearl's past misdeeds and how Summer deceived

actress, her tears flowed on cue, enhancing the emotional impact of her speech. She chose a subdued gown for the occasion, willingly playing the supporting role to her daughter. Her heartfelt delivery moved many

the crowd of journalists, a masked woman's eyes gleamed with

...

Gregory had

"What's with the

rolled my eyes. "It's nothing. He just brought up proposing out of the

"Proposing? He did?!"

"Not exactly."

"He always mentions it in passing, but

doesn't seem the type

much to him, so proposing has become a

like running a company with a

proposal to be unique, just for

at analyzing others' relationships. When it comes

realized too late I had

Christine's expression dimmed

probably wanted you to visit. I didn't tell you because after last time, I didn't

already been

I knew he was injured. I was there on other business and

hint of scorn crossed her

his et art by his side, feeding

cozy. Must be

unaffected, I could sense

my fault; I've been neglecting

was playing games,