Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

So now I was in the wrong for not telling him?

I wanted to laugh, tried to curve my lips into a smile, but my cheeks hurt too much. "Did you even give me a chance to speak?"

Whenever it's about Margaret, he's always in a rush.

"Jane..."

"Alright, your 'sister' is waiting for you in the car."

I didn't want to say anything more, cutting him off and getting back into my car.

As I went to close the door, his large hand stopped it, "Cover up the bruises on your face. Don't let Grandpa see, or he'll definitely..."

Each word felt like a knife twisting in my heart, tearing me apart, my soul included.

I couldn't bear to listen anymore. I slammed the car door shut, isolating him on the outside.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I quickly turned away, not wanting him to see my misery.

I was the one who got hit, yet all he worried about was Margaret getting scolded. Ignoring the fact he hadn't left, I floored the gas pedal and exited the parking lot. Just as I stopped at a red light in front of the corporate building, Christine called.

I cleared my throat before answering.

"Did Margaret hit you?!" she almost shouted.

"Our company's good for one thing, spreading gossip like wildfire."

"You're in the mood to joke?"

Christine was clearly upset, "So, she really did hit you?"

"Yeah, but it's nothing serious."

I didn't want her to worry.

But Christine has a fierce temper, and without anyone to stop her, there's no telling what she might do.

Christine didn't buy it, "Don't lie to me. I heard she hit you in the face! That bitch."

"Christine, I'm really okay. Please, don't be mad."

"You better be okay!"

"I really am, truly."

I reassured her repeatedly, then added, "I'm heading back to the Ferguson Mansion for a bit. I'll come over to your place later so you can see for yourself I'm alright, okay?"

"Fine."

She agreed, surprisingly hanging up before I did.

Feeling a bit uneasy, I sent Christine a text to double-check.

Seeing her quick reply made me feel slightly better.

Upon reaching the mansion, I touched up my makeup in the car, covering the five distinct finger marks on my face.

It wasn't about avoiding Bryant's disapproval.

But Timothy's health hadn't been great. He had a health scare at Ferguson Group not long ago, which was enough to frighten me. I didn't want him to worry.

As soon as I had gathered my things and stepped out of the car, the butler, Gary, came out to greet me, all smiles.

"Mrs. Ferguson, you haven't come down in a while, and Mr. Ferguson was getting worried, asked me to check on you."

I smiled lightly, "You're back from your hometown? Is everything settled there? If you need any help, please, let us know."

Gary had been with the Ferguson family for years, serving alongside Timothy since his youth. The entire Ferguson household held him in high regard.

He had recently returned to his hometown to take care of his father's funeral, who passed away at nearly a hundred years old.

As Gary and I chatted, he led me into the hall.

The whole Ferguson family, including Bryant and Margaret, were there, seemingly enjoying a pleasant gathering.

Margaret didn't dare misbehave in front of Timothy, sitting quietly in the corner, trying to appear well-behaved. "Jane's here!"

Seeing me enter, Timothy's stern face broke into a warm smile, instructing the servants, "Quick, serve Jane the tea that just arrived; she loves it."

Bryant's aunt, seeing Timothy in a good mood, feigned annoyance, "Timothy, you're playing favorites!"

"So what if I am?" He boasted proudly, "Why not? She's my grandson's wife. It's a unique connection across different generations. You'll get it when you have grandkids!" Everyone burst into laughter.

Except for Margaret, who sat gripping the folds of her dress, her eyes cold and unnerving.