Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 849

Christine had just finished purchasing incense at the entrance of the church when she turned around and noticed Jane was missing.

Raleigh came over and explained, "She took the kids to the restroom."

Understanding, Christine waited by the entrance. Suddenly, a young altar boy approached her with a flower. Assuming it was some kind of blessing, she accepted it. But Merritt sensed something was off, especially when another boy approached shortly after with more flowers. One by one, roses piled up in Christine's arms until she held an entire bouquet.

"Hold on a second," Merritt called out to one of the altar boys and asked him in the local dialect what was happening.

The boy replied, "I don't know either. Our pastor instructed us to give these flowers to this young lady."

Another altar boy, who could speak English, added, "A gentleman made a generous donation to our church, and our pastor asked us to help fulfill his wish."

Christine's instincts told her something was amiss, and she quickly looked for a trash can to dispose of the flowers. "Where's the nearest trash can?" she asked.

The altar boy blocked her path, "Miss, our pastor said he's never seen such a large donation. If we can't persuade you to stay, he plans to come personally to ask you."

Christine was shocked. "How much did you say?"

The boy held up a finger. "A million dollars."

"..."

Christine hesitated just for a moment before a red carpet unfurled from the church. A group of altar boys gently nudged her inside.

Why were there so many altar boys at this church?

Christine glanced at Merritt for help, but he was immobilized as the boys clung to his legs.

"You know, it's not right to put people in such a difficult position in front of God," Merritt said.

One altar boy replied, "Sir, in front of God, you shouldn't ruin someone else's happiness. We're actually helping you."

"Exactly," the others chimed in. "We're helping you."

Merritt sighed, "…Alright."

He turned to seek help from Raleigh, but Raleigh was nowhere to be seen. He couldn't use force without risking harm to the altar boys.

Bella glanced at the bracelet and remarked, "Why didn't you get one for yourself?"

Raleigh gave her a meaningful look, "This is something a partner has to request with love."

Feeling slightly awkward, Bella deflected, "You're acting like a teenager."

Raleigh smiled, "Love knows no age."

Mira cooed, "Ooh—"

"See?" Raleigh said, shaking Mira's tiny hand gently. "Even Mira agrees."

Bella gave him a sidelong glance but eventually went to request one for him.

As they walked inside, they saw Dailey standing face-to-face with Christine, though the atmosphere seemed rather... ordinary.

Christine genuinely wanted to resist, trying to escape the altar boys' blockade, but she ended up being gently pushed to the end of the red carpet, in front of the altar.