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.

...

your mom if there's someone she likes?"

I had asked.

claiming she preferred

to those around her, she seemed

cry from

that accident at the gala weighed heavily on her, despite her claims

I sought

sometimes leads

want to give it

smiled, a gesture that didn't

I

his eyes, "If I try

" t

might not

tentative approach allows for a return to the status quo, as

a full-on confrontation could push her away for

risk it, nor

"Jane, I'm sorry."

"No, the apology is

us to our

didn't leave with us;

safe. Text me when you get

at him before taking