Lost Me Gained Regret

I nodded, "Yeah, it's pretty exciting."

If my mom's got a thing for Raleigh and it could lead to something more, that'd be pretty cool.

Missing out on love would be the real tragedy.

Gregory ruffled my hair, "Got something I wanna talk to you about."

"Dailey, right?"

I stepped back from Gregory's embrace, folding my arms as my expression turned serious. "You're not trying to turn me against him, are you?"

Gregory chuckled, "Of course not, I'm firmly on your side."

But then he shifted gears, adding, "But Dailey did ask me for help."

"

"1 "

I asked, "And how did he ask you?"

Gregory replied, "Pleaded with me, verbally."

I gave him a look, "Nice try with the wordplay."

Gregory laughed, wrapping his arms around me again.

"You don't get it. For him to actually say 'please', it means he's genuinely asking for my help."

I poked Gregory's chest, "Instead of begging you, he should go make things right with Christine. Apologize sincerely, spill his guts."

"Christine's the forgiving type if he's honest with her."

It's not like they're archenemies or anything.

Wait a minute!

I pushed Gregory away, "If Dailey can't sort out his first love mess, I'm not gonna vouch for him."

Gregory scooped me up in a sideways hug, tossing me onto the bed before leaning over me.

"He did ask, but I didn't say I'd help."

"Just giving you a heads up."

"They can sort their own mess. They're not kids."

"Our time's better spent on things that matter."

"Let's not waste time on this drama."

I opened my mouth to respond, but that just gave him an opportunity.

Whatever I managed to say next came out in bits and pieces.

Christine was busy scouting locations for a traditional Western-style wedding.

During a break, she noticed a post from Clarence's social media feed.

"Our always healthy Dailey has been sick for almost half a month now, definitely noteworthy."

The photo

but Chewed him and Dailey,RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

s sharp eyes caught

glimpse of a white dress in background.

Hmph.

She immediately blocked Clarence's feed.

Getting up, she opened a bottle of wine and took it to the balcony to enjoy the night view.

She didn't even notice her phone ringing until after she'd finished her drink and saw there had been a call. Checking the caller ID, she called back.

"Big sis..."

Merritt's pitiful voice came through

comfort, softening her tone, "Who's been bullying my little brother, then? Big sis will take care of it."

and Christine found the paWho? "o

Merritt sniffled, "You didn't answer my calls."

"Got caught up in something."

Christine slumped into the couch, "So, what's up? Why the barrage of calls?"

"I was worried you might be hungry. Brought you some food, but I didn't know exactly where you live..."

Christine got up from the couch, dressing quickly as she asked, "Where are you now?"

Merritt replied, "Right outside your apartment complex."

"I'll be right there."

Christine ditched her slippers for some sneakers and hurried to the apartment complex entrance.

There she saw Merritt, hands full,

shivering in the cold, looking as forlorn as a puppy left by its owner but still loyally waiting to be taken home.

""

Even though Christine knew Merritt wasn't as innocent as he seemed.

And understood his actions were a way to slowly infiltrate her life.

It was also a sign he had plans to move things forward.

Not just a casual fling.