Lost Me Gained Regret

But, there were plenty who felt a pang of regret.

My mom was famously blessed by the heavens with acting talent, known far and wide for her role as a supporting actress back in the day.

She garnered a lot of goodwill.

Many fans had waited years for news of her comeback, only to be disappointed by her decision to step away from the limelight again. They'd always hoped she'd return to the screen.

And it wasn't as if she couldn't. Her injuries had healed well enough; nothing that would hinder her acting or making public appearances.

But she just didn't want to be in the public eye anymore.

"I'm looking for a change of pace. I've been handing off business matters to Ivy, looking to spend more time with you and Mira," she told me.

...

Christine was busy booking a venue for Jane's birthday and Mira's christening.

The place she found had a unique feature a main hall connected to a smaller one.

Perfect for a big crowd, with everyone able to see the proceedings from the smaller room as well.

Just as she was about to put down a deposit, her phone rang. It was Gregory.

"What?! Okay, scratch that plan. How about we find a nice patch of grass instead? We can invite as many people as we want then."

"An outdoor bash would be perfect, especially since it's not too hot out."

"A bit chilly, maybe, but that's nothing a few drinks can't fix," she mused.

Gregory trusted Christine to handle the venue. His only request was, "Don't spill the beans."

Christine quickly assured him, "I might be quick to speak, but I can keep a secret when it counts. I love a good surprise."

After hanging up, Gregory turned to Lucius, "Has the ring arrived?"

---

Dinner had just been served when I heard someone at the elevator. I got up to open the door for Gregory and fetched him his slippers.

His eyebrow quirked up. "You being this attentive is kind of scary."

I shot him a look. "Then don't wear them."

Gregory chuckled, slipping into the slippers and wrapping an arm around me as we walked back in. "What's got you in such a good mood?" "Can't I just be nice to you?"

I retorted, "Or would you prefer I always greet you with a cold shoulder?"

Gregory "Either

eway works for me. You're too

even a cold look suits

Com v u neched my cheekout

swnovo

My cheeks warmed at his words, and I wriggled free from his embrace.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

After washing up, Gregory came out to hold Mira.

"Missed daddy?"

Mira reached out, slapping her hand on his face before breaking into a grin.

Gregory bounced her gently. "Looks like you're just like your mom-a little troublemaker."

I glared at him.

He just smiled, sitting next to me and started peeling shrimp for me.

"Jealous? Have some shrimp instead."

I was about to respond when he leaned in, his voice a seductive whisper.

"I know, my darling wife missed me too."

I couldn't compete with his shamelessness. To avoid blushing, I quickly changed the subject.

"This year we're doing Jane's

birthday and Mira's christening together. Christine said she'd handle it, and I agreed. Just thought I'd let you know."

Gregory nodded. "Whatever makes you happy."

Speaking of Christine, I mentioned Dailey faking an illness.

Gregory placed a shrimp in my bowl, wiping his hands. "He wasn't faking."

"What?"

I was confused. "But with this

weather, and given his constitution,

it's

d to catch a cold, right?eet

swnovelet

Even though it was post-summer, the temperatures were still around the high 90s.

Then it hit me. "Faking your own sickness still counts as faking."

Gregory laughed. "I can tell, you've got a bone to pick with him."

I shook my head. "Not really. I mean, he's been a big help to us, but..."