Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

I couldn't help but smile slightly. "As long as he's not like you, it's all good."

A flash of hurt crossed his face. "Am I that bad in your eyes?"

"You're okay. Those who are into domestic violence, drugs, gambling are way worse."

"Jane," His face darkened. He was about to retort when the knock on the door interrupted him.

There came Margaret's melodious voice. "Bry, can I come in?"

Before anyone could respond, the door clicked open, and she stepped inside. "Bry, I've got this ointment for you..."

Her words cut off as soon as she saw me, her smile freezing on her face.

"I'll leave you two to it then," I said, my tone indifferent.

"Jane." Margaret tried to sound amicable, "Even if you're divorced, you should still look the part. Don't get me wrong. I'm just concerned about your reputation."

"The state hasn't even issued our divorce papers, and you're already declaring us divorced?"

I couldn't help but continue indifferently, "My reputation can't possibly sink to where it'd be on par with yours."

Dropping that bomb, I walked away.

Not even past the doorway, I heard Margaret complaining to Bryant, "Bry, did you hear what she said?"

"Who allowed you in here?" Unexpectedly, Bryant didn't come to her defense. Instead, he coldly questioned her.

Undeterred, Margaret wooed, "Am I not allowed in your room? We even shared a bed as kids!"

I dropped my gaze and was secretly glad I had already applied for the divorce. Ignoring the bickering between Margaret and Bryant, I headed toward the study, running into Gary. "Mrs. Ferguson, you're not in a hurry, are you? Mr. Timothy wants to see you."

"Sure." I was planning to visit Timothy anyway.

Timothy looked better than I expected.

As I entered, he beckoned me over warmly, "My dear, come, have a seat." That was what my dad used to call me.

My eyes welled up with tears as I sat down. "Timothy, are you feeling alright?"

Considering how badly Bryant got beaten, it was clear Timothy was furious.

He poured me a cup of coffee, his mustache twitching. "I'm fine, my dear. I just had to teach Bryant a lesson and ensure that Margaret gets the message, too." "I've got you worried again." I took the coffee, smiling, "I thought you'd be mad at me."

He chuckled, asking, "What did you do wrong?"

"I kept things from you..."

"Bryant might not get you, but do you think I don't? You have a heart of gold. Even a cornered rabbit will fight back, let alone a person." His words carried weight.

I suddenly felt like crying. Staying at home these past few days, trying to distract myself, I thought I could hold it together. But Timothy's comforting words broke me. He patted my hand back. "Silly girl, are you upset with me?"

"How could I ever be upset with you!" I shook my head frantically, and then something else came to mind. "Oh, there's something that's been on my mind."

"Go ahead." He took a sip from his coffee cup.

Hesitantly, I asked the question I had been pondering, "If you never wanted Bryant and Margaret together, why..."

"Why didn't I tell Bryant what Teresa had done?" Timothy nodded, completing my thought, "You mean things might not have been so complicated if Bryant had known the truth earlier, right?"