Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

My parents' memorial was coming up that Saturday.

After a follow-up appointment at the hospital in the morning, I planned to visit their graves. It wouldn't take long. But for some reason, I felt an unsettling unease that prevented me from speaking confidently.

I couldn't bring myself to tell Bryant about my pregnancy the day before. Nor could I assure Christine today that I would bring Bryant along. I feared that plans might not keep pace with changes. In my heart, Bryant and Margaret's relationship was like a ticking time bomb.

Seeing me less than enthusiastic, Christine glanced toward Margaret's office. "Did Bryant sort out that Patek Philippe bitch?"

"Pretty much," I said.

After more chatter, Christine seemed reassured and returned to the Marketing Department.

I couldn't tell if Margaret had a change of heart or had an epiphany. For several days, we coexisted without issue. I was worried that she might obstruct Christmas' limited edition design, but it smoothly progressed to the prototyping phase.

"Girls, what do you think is the real deal between the new girl and the boss?"

"Beats me."

"Maybe she's the boss' wife, but there's been no sign of them together these past few days."

"Maybe she's just low-key. Who else gets a welcome like hers, with the CEO personally introducing her?"

"That doesn't necessarily mean she's the boss' wife. Could be the other woman, for all we know."

I overheard some colleagues gossiping about Margaret and Bryant's relationship while I was getting water in the break room. Turning around, I caught Margaret looking at me with a strange expression. "I thought you'd be smug about it." she said.

"What?" I was stunned, not immediately catching on.

The gossiping colleagues scattered like birds, leaving Margaret and me in the break room.

Margaret forced a smile, placing her cup under the coffee machine. "Why do you always seem so calm? You don't get bummed out when you lose, and you don't even act excited when you win."

I didn't have the leisure to open up to her. After getting myself some lemon water, I turned to leave.

Margaret suddenly laughed. "I just can't stand you. You think you've won, huh? Jane, life is long."

She finally lost her temper and showed her true colors.

I frowned. "Are you out of your mind today?"

"What?" Margaret was confused.

"Maybe you should go and see a therapist. Don't skimp. While Albert isn't rolling in dough, he can surely afford some therapy sessions for you." I suggested.

With that, I strode off.

I heard something smashing from the break room just before entering my office. Margaret lost it, indeed.

Bryant was waiting for me in the parking garage after work. These days, he lived up to the internet's nickname of "wife-spoiler." We went to work together, came home together, and he had Kevin deliver afternoon tea to my office daily, along with the occasional gift.

"What do you fancy for dinner tonight?" As soon as I got into the car, Bryant asked.

I looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "You're cooking again?"

He had been cooking dinner for the past several nights.

Even Emma, our housekeeper, looked at him with fear, worried she might be out of a job.

With one hand on the wheel, as we left the parking garage, Bryant replied smoothly, "Tired of it already?"

"Not at all. Just curious. You rarely cooked before." I said.

"From now on, as long as we're home, I'll cook," Bryant promised.

"Oh." I certainly wouldn't object.

Although I knew where he learned his cooking skills, it didn't bother me as long as he kept his distance from Margaret. She trained my man. If anyone should be upset, it was her.

When we reached home, Bryant changed into casual wear and headed to the kitchen to start dinner.