Lost Me Gained Regret

Gregory laughed, "So that was the condition he laid out."

"But what I'm really curious about is how he managed to blow up the place I was holding Mark."

That place was abandoned, hardly anyone knew I was keeping someone there.

Josiah had to flee abroad for the Myers family fortune, leaving even Pearl behind. He wouldn't have had time to arrange this.

For some reason, I just felt that Mark, that sewer rat, wouldn't die so easily.

"I'm still looking into it, but Mark's definitely not making it out alive. That chemical plant's a ruin now. The guys you had on watch didn't survive, and he was still locked up. Unless he's some sort of immortal being, especially since we've got his DNA proof."

Gregory decided to shelf his doubts for the moment, "You need to come over."

"I promised Jane I'd be home for Thanksgiving, otherwise she'd just come running here without a second thought."

Dailey agreed, "I'll bring Pearl and Dorothy over."

He couldn't resist a tease, a rare chance to see Gregory in a tight spot.

"How's it feel to be a hostage?"

Gregory, always too prideful, as if he had no kin. Could such a childish scheme even touch him?

"Not bad, got my booze and steak, and a bunch of guys to ease my muscles."

...

Christine, trying to distract me, took me out shopping to find some inspiration for a gown design.

I really didn't want to go, but couldn't withstand her persistent coaxing.

But just as I was changing, Gregory called me on video.

I hurriedly accepted the call.

Seeing Gregory's familiar, handsome face made my eyes well up.

Gregory sensed my mood, stood up, and turned around. His handsome face magnified on my phone screen, flawless.

Carrying his usual carefree and slightly wicked smile.

"Feeling better now?"

I wasn't reassured, "Take off your shirt."Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Gregory laughed, a mischievous eyebrow lift, "Having some not-so-kid-friendly thoughts about me?"

I was momentarily speechless, then heard him say, "They say pregnancy hormones can make you believe anything. Now, I believe it."

I didn't say anything.

"But don't worry, I've talked to the doctor. Just to be safe, we need to wait three more months. Just hang in there."

I really wanted to leap through the screen and kick him. I glared and gritted my teeth, "You're definitely hiding something from me, hence the subject change."

Gregory touched his nose, finally admitting, "Ran into a bit of trouble."

I tensed up, "What trouble?"

"Josiah."

"Josiah?" I puzzled, "Weren't you handling him all this time?"

"I was, until he fled the country. Now I'm here on business, and just my luck, ran into him."

"It's hard to overcome local snakes when you're the dragon abroad. He wants me to release Pearl and Dorothy."

I gasped, "So you're trapped over there?"

"Are you hurt?"

Josiah was known to be involved in the underworld.

Gregory, through the screen, patted my face, I'm fine, didn't tell you earlier because I didn't want you to worry. Dailey's bringing

reinforcements, and I'll be there for Thanksgiving, trust me, okay?"

I pouted, about to complain when Christine called me.

"Jane."

I looked up to see her leaning by the door, eavesdropping like it was her job.

"Are you talking to Mr. Ford?"

"I thought I heard Dailey's name."

Knowing what she was thinking, I instinctively ended the call, blocking her path as she turned to leave.

"Why bother, knowing it's dangerous?"

Christine flipped her hair, booking a

flight on her phone, "Might as wellet

help

you keep an eye on Greet

since you're worried."

I didn't really need her to.

I admit I was worried about Gregory, but I couldn't let my best friend walk into danger.

"You..." I was speaking when a video call notification from Gregory interrupted me.

Seeing it was from Gregory, I answered, "What's up?"

"What's up?"

Gregory repeated my words, dragging them out.

I then remembered, "It wasn't on purpose. Christine wants to follow Dailey over to you, I was trying to stop her."

Hearing this, Gregory's voice deepened, "Don't let her come."

Before I could respond, Christine said, "Mr. Ford, I'm an adult now..."

But before she could finish, Gregory suddenly ended the call. I sent a question mark.

He replied: [Someone will stop her, don't worry.]

I texted back: [Got it, waiting for you to come back.]

With Gregory's assurance, I watched Christine leave.

Anxious waiting wouldn't help, and I was starting to feel a bit unwell, probably from the worry.

Instead of staying home fretting, I decided to get a check-up at the hospital, where I bumped into Mr. Abdul.

"Not feeling well?"

I told him the truth, "A bit of discomfort in my lower abdomen, came to get it checked."

Abdul led me to a consultation room and took my pulse.

"Feeling stressed?"

I nodded, "Gregory's overseas, ran into some trouble, and I'm a bit worried."

Mr. Abdul withdrew his hand, prescribed some medication, "You need to manage your stress. Don't let it get to you too much. Last time, you nearly lost the baby. You need to be careful."

I wish I could, but I couldn't help it.

The baby's important. And so is the baby's dad.