Lost Me Gained Regret

Edith took a sip of her water, letting out a satisfied sigh, "Jane's just looking out for you, you know." "It's a messy kind of care, though."

Christine nodded, "Go take a seat and relax. I've got to wrap up a few things with a client."

"Sure thing, you do what you gotta do."

...

I couldn't shake off my unease about Christine, even zoning out while slicing the birthday cake.

Gregory was there to steady my hand, thankfully.

But my worries proved to be unfounded.

Christine and Dailey were seated worlds apart, with a sea of people and an aisle between them, each engaged in their own conversations.

Just as the cake was being served, Christine stood up suddenly, catching me off guard.

Dailey followed suit, both heading my way.

I frantically reached for Gregory, only to find him gone from my side.

"Chris..."

I feared Christine might do something rash. Just as I opened my mouth, she pressed a microphone to my lips, silencing me.

Dailey, too, stationed himself by my side.

heard her speak: "Thanks, everyone, for joining us at Jane's birthday bash and Mira's hundred-day

the life of the party, outgoing, and

why was

Were they performing together?

quite special; it's a

my partner is none other

Me: "???"

blinked at Christine, mouthing, "What are you

for you.

I was gently pushed off the stage by

pulled me to

dazed and confused, something felt

began their

a

But it didn't happen.

a famous comedy show, though they hadn't

was all impromptu

and Dailey

prelude to belongs

proposal, nothing fancy.

Clarkson and me. Let's welcome the

Christine descended the

piano filled the air fo my surprise, the