Lost Me Gained Regret

"Mr. Shaw, if you truly hold a place for my mom in your heart, just say the word, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you out."

"And on the flip side, I want to apologize again for the intrusion today."

Raleigh's grip on his coffee mug tightened, a visible tremor running through his hand.

But his response wasn't clouded by emotion; he remained composed.

"Jane, I wouldn't dream of imposing on Bella. If she has affection for me, I'll cherish her for a lifetime. But if not, I'm fully prepared to be by her side as a friend, forever."

Hearing this, a lightbulb went off in my head, and I couldn't help but try to reason with him. "If, like you said, my mom's refusal stems from guilt, then she must have feelings for you."

"If she didn't, a straightforward apology and a clean break would have sufficed, right?"

Raleigh had entertained such thoughts before; he and Bella had shared a lifetime's worth of moments.

Their companionship even outlasted many marriages, fostering a deep understanding between them.

He believed that her lack of outright rejection meant there might be room to advance...

But he later abandoned that hope, not because of her gentle refusal.

Rather, he knew Bella well enough to understand that if she had any interest, she would have made a move. Her inaction spoke volumes.

...

you ever asked your mom if there's someone she likes?" Raleigh queried,

I had asked.

my mom denied it, claiming she preferred to be alone, to enjoy her

to those around her,

a far cry from the radiant superstar

the gala weighed

sought out Raleigh

sometimes leads to bold

you sure you don't want to give

smiled, a gesture that didn't

I

eyes, "If I

" t

might not

approach allows for a return to the

could push her

it, nor could he

"Jane, I'm sorry."

I bowed slightly, "No, the apology is mine. I've intruded. I'll leave you

us

leave with us; he had

Text me when

him before