Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

"Looking to thank me?"

As we reached the car, Mark gently nudged Steven into the back seat, leaning against the car, his gaze softening with a chuckle as he looked at me.

I nodded, replying, "Of course."

"Well, just promise me, you'll stop saying 'thank you' all the time."

His words hinted at something more, but before I could ponder, he added with a smile, "It's too formal."

I laughed lightly, "Alright, got it."

Just then, his designated driver arrived, and he handed the keys over, his eyes warm as he said, "Gotta go. You better head up."

Once I got upstairs, the living room was deserted.

Bryant was gone.

There was a momentary emptiness in my heart. But it was just that—a moment.

Leaving without a word was his style, after all.

Probably another 'emergency' at Margaret's end, I guessed.

Back in my room, I gently nudged Christine, "Chris, wake up, let me get you into your pajamas so you're more comfortable."

"Mhm." Christine squinted her eyes open, and upon seeing me, she wrapped her arms around me in a clingy manner, letting me help her out of her top while murmuring, "Dear Jane, my dear Jane, nobody's allowed to hurt you..."

"Silly, aren't you?" I couldn't help but laugh.

The next morning, Christine was already out of bed.

There was a faint rustling from the living room.

Bleary-eyed, I peeked out to see Christine doing yoga.

Noticing I was awake, she kept her pose but tilted her chin up proudly, "I look good, don't I?"

"Gorgeous, you're the most beautiful."

I couldn't help but smile.

She truly was the most stunning girl I'd ever met, the kind that takes your breath away at first glance.

Now, in her yoga outfit, she looked even more striking.

Satisfied, Christine nodded, "Only my Jane has such good taste."

Laughing, I headed to freshen up.

While I was applying makeup, Christine finished her yoga and came in, eyeing my bare ears, "Where did you put the earrings from last night?" "In the drawer."

Busy with my eyebrows, I pointed her to the spot.

She fetched them, slipping them onto my ears while confidently stating, "These rubies really suit your vibe."

"What vibe is that?" I asked casually.

"Hmm... serene confidence, elegant and gracious."

I caught her sly fox-like eyes in the mirror and teased, "You keep flattering me like that, I might fall for you."

"If it gets you out of Bryant's mess, I'd do it for love," she replied with a cheeky grin.

"It's not come to that."

Her words made me laugh, and as I reached to take off the earrings, she stopped me, admiring, "No, leave them on. They look so good!" "Alright, your wish is my command."

After letting my hair down, it covered them anyway.

Not that I minded. They were just too pricey, and I didn't want to attract the wrong attention.

Arriving at work, Christine and I parted ways in the elevator, as I headed straight for the Design Department.

But before I could even start my computer, an unexpected visitor walked in.

In the whole Design Department, no, the entire company, only Margaret carried herself with such grace.

"Was Bry at your place last night?"

What was this about?

Leaning back in my chair, I was genuinely confused, "Shouldn't you know where he was last night better than I do?"

Wasn't she the one who called him away?

"Cut the act, Jane. You've got no plans of actually divorcing him."

Margaret closed the door, her demeanor still gentle, but her eyes were poisoned with intent, "Don't you know why Bry married you in the first place? Do you really think he obeys his grandfather that much?"