Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 874

Dailey avoided her scrutinizing gaze.

Christine leaned in closer and asked, "Do you still like me?"

"If you say you like me, I'll leave."

Dailey wasn't foolish. Christine seemed efficient and composed, but behind closed doors, she could be playful and stubborn. If he admitted anything, she surely had more tricks up her sleeve.

"Whatever you say."

With those indifferent words, he turned his back to her and lay down. Christine noticed the large burn scar on his shoulder and felt a pang of emotion.

Suppressing the urge to reconcile, she put on a comedy movie. The two of them ended up watching it in peaceful silence.

Primo observed from the doorway, quite pleased with his own cleverness. Little did he know, Dailey would be shipped off to Africa the day he was discharged.

...

The hospital bed faced the television. Christine didn't feel comfortable sitting on the bed, so she settled in a chair beside it. The angle was slightly awkward, and before she knew it, she was half-leaning against the bed.

Unbeknownst to her, while she was engrossed in the movie, someone was watching her. Christine stretched her stiff back, turning to speak to the man.

She found him already turned away, lying down. Not wanting to disturb him, she gently pulled the blanket over him, careful to avoid his burn. Then she moved to the sofa and chatted briefly with Jane.

When sleepiness overtook her, she got up to check on Dailey, making sure he was resting peacefully. Just as she was about to turn away, she sensed something was off.

"Does it hurt?"

Dailey didn't respond.

Christine went to find a nurse to ask about pain relief options. She returned with ointment, kneeling behind him, applying it gently. As the cool ointment touched his wound, Dailey opened his eyes. Feeling her soft breath on his skin, he pretended to sleep to avoid embarrassment.

After applying the ointment, Christine watched him for a while. Once she saw his relaxed face and even breathing, she turned off the light and went to sleep.

Some time later, she felt herself being lifted and placed on a soft bed. Without opening her eyes, she found a comfortable position and continued to sleep.

Dailey tucked her in, staring at her for a moment with a reluctant smile.

"Christine, this is the last time. If we get tangled up again for any reason, I won't let you go."

...

Jayne arrived in the early hours. After dealing with the Sinclair Family's affairs, Dailey had moved back to his own place. The Clarkson family wanted him to stay, but they knew they couldn't keep him this time.

Worried he might contact Christine, they had someone watch him. For a long time, his focus was solely on work. Jayne intended to visit him but was delayed by other matters. Planning to go at first light, she received news that he was hospitalized due to injuries sustained because of Christine.

"You're still smoking," Jayne said, taking the cigarette from his hand, her gaze on his bare back and the large burn on his shoulder. Just looking at it was painful enough; she couldn't imagine the suffering.

"You said..."

Dailey offered a brief explanation. "Just passing by."

Jayne didn't believe it. Her son was not the type to perform random acts of kindness. If he were that benevolent, he would have been taken apart by enemies long ago.

"Are you planning something?" she probed.

Dailey replied with a calm face, "What do you think I'm planning?"

Normand: "Let's get through the new year first."

...

Christine woke up to find herself in bed. She quickly checked on Dailey, only to find she was alone. Getting out of bed, she saw Dailey emerging from the bathroom, now dressed in a neatly pressed shirt and trousers instead of his hospital gown.

She hurried over to him, "Your wound isn't healed yet. Why are you dressed? Didn't the doctor say it might stick to the fabric and hurt when removed?"

Dailey merely said, "Discharged."

"What?"

Christine was anxious, "Your wound isn't healed, and it's still oozing. How can you be discharged?"

Dailey picked up his phone. "It's just a scratch. No big deal."

His demeanor remained cold. Christine pondered for a moment and asked, "Are you leaving because I'm here?"

Dailey met her slightly dimmed gaze. He didn't want to hurt her, but he had no choice.

"Yes."

Christine gave a resigned "Oh" and said, "Then don't leave the hospital. I'll go."

She grabbed her bag and left. Dailey's hand reached out slightly before retreating back into his pocket.

Primo peeked in, "Sir, Ms. Jackson seemed upset. Did you upset her?"