Lost Me Gained Regret

Not far from the bustling crowd, there was Dailey... and, as rumors had it, his first love.

I frowned slightly, "Edith, can you go keep Christine company for a bit? I've got something to handle over here..." Edith gave me a thumbs up and made her way to Christine, cleverly blocking her line of sight to the unfolding drama. I quickly sought out Gregory.

Gregory had already spotted the situation and was moving towards Dailey.

"Look who decided to crash the party," he said with a sarcastic tone, "On such a joyous occasion for our family, no less." Before Dailey could respond, Clarence chimed in, "Hey, it's not like that. It's not like there are any of Dailey's exes here." Dailey shot him a glare, "Shut it."

Clarence looked genuinely hurt, "I was speaking up for you."

Dailey ignored him, his gaze attempting to find Christine beyond Gregory.

Gregory sidestepped, effectively blocking his view.

Dailey knew what Gregory meant by 'joyous occasion' - it wasn't just a birthday or a milestone celebration, but also a proposal.

"I'm not here to cause trouble," Dailey finally said.

"Nelly isn't a stranger either, and I've brought a gift," he added, handing over an envelope to me, "Happy Birthday, and congratulations, Mrs. Ford." I offered a polite smile and looked up at Gregory.

Gregory accepted the envelope, weighing it in his hand, "This from both of you?"

elegance. "Not as stunning as Christine's vibrant beauty, but captivating in her own right," I thought. If Dailey was

as modest in his gifting as I," Nelly

was

a seat. I've got other guests to

I said,

earshot, I pulled

shrugged, "I had no idea. Don't blame

might have helped us, but this... this isn't helping his

That's on me. You decide how to deal

on Christine. Just make sure Dailey doesn't stir up

are you guys talking about?

brushed him off, "Can't you see we're busy here? Go help

but to curb his curiosity

"Aren't you going to fill him

towards where Dailey and Nelly had headed,

Christine

not to say anything; less trouble that way," he

look.