Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 378

"I'll be right down." Upon hearing that, my heart skipped a beat, and I agreed quickly.

Seeing my troubled expression, Christine asked, "What happened on his end?"

I was hastily packing my things as I replied, "My aunt's critically ill. I need to rush back to RiverCity."

Thinking about Dorothy's tactics, I even started to doubt whether it was the illness that worsened or it was because of my getting involved.

"Critically ill?" Christine decided on the spot. "Bryant's coming to pick you up, right? Stop packing. Just leave it to me. I'll wrap things up here this afternoon. You go back first, and when I return, I'll bring your stuff with me."

In my desperation, I didn't hesitate. "Okay, Chris, I owe you one."

Christine handed me my power bank and phone, pushing me out the door. "Don't mention it. It is part of my job as the Head of the Marketing Department. Besides, I'm a shareholder. I'm essentially helping myself."

I had brought Christine into the partnership, giving her a share of the business.

I nodded. "Then I'm off!"

...

While I was going downstairs, Bryant's car gracefully pulled up to the curb. The driver came out to open the door for me. As I settled into the backseat, I saw him resting with his eyes closed. I was more than happy to keep to myself, turning to look out the window. The silence in the car was eerie.

As my thoughts began to drift, Bryant's voice broke the silence. "Stay out of the mess in Vista Town."

"You can't tell me what to do." I didn't even turn my head, my tone frosty.

Annoyed, Bryant continued, "You think just because of a paternity test, you can be with Gregory and become part of the Ford family?"

Bryant gave a cold laugh. "Gregory's that good, huh?"

Without hesitation, I answered, "Yes."

I hadn't spent much time thinking about my future with Gregory over the past few days. My focus had been on unraveling my past. But no matter what the future might hold for us, he was good to me. He protected and respected me more than anyone else.

If I had to describe it, in Bryant's eyes, I was once a weed, neglected and exposed to the storms. Later, he treated me like a rose in a greenhouse, seemingly doing everything for my sake but utterly disregarding my wishes and thoughts.

But with Gregory, I was a sunflower. He thoughtfully considered my needs, respected my desires, analyzed the pros and cons, and allowed me to grow toward the sun with all my might.

That was what I always wanted to be, not a weed or a rose.

Upon hearing my straightforward and definite answer, Bryant's gaze dimmed a bit. His lips formed a straight line, and after a moment of silence, he spoke softly, "If I became like him, would we stand a chance?"