Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

That made my mind wander all morning long.

It felt like there were two little figures brawling inside my head.

One argued, "Look, he does care after all. He even remembers the first day we met."

The other retorted, "Come on, he recently forgot you even went to RiverCity University. How could he remember that day? He probably asked Steven or someone. Don't get all lovesick!"

By noon, I shook off these cluttered thoughts and asked Christine if she wanted to join me for lunch in the cafeteria.

We used to order takeout or dine out quite a bit.

But lately, I couldn't be bothered to walk an extra step, and takeout just wasn't as fresh or clean as the cafeteria's offerings. So, we practically made the cafeteria our new haunt. Heading towards the office area, I wasn't sure who had brought their packed lunch, but the smell suddenly made me queasy, and I found myself dashing to the restroom.

After emptying my stomach until it hurt and the bitter taste lingered in my mouth, I finally straightened up, leaning against the wall for support.

I never imagined pregnancy could be this tough.

Yet, thinking of the tiny life inside me made it all seem worthwhile.

"You're throwing up again?"

I thought everyone would be out for lunch at this time, but as I exited, there stood Margaret by the sink.

My heart raced. If she found out about my pregnancy, she wouldn't let it go.

If this reached Bryant, I wouldn't stand a chance in a custody battle.

I tried to mask my nervousness, replying casually, "I told you, my stomach's been acting up. Isn't vomiting normal then? You seem to have plenty of free time, standing here listening to me puke." "Is it really just a stomach issue?" She grilled me, her eyes brimming with deep distrust and threat.

"What else could it be?"

"It better be."

She seemed half-convinced.

As I finished washing my hands and was about to leave, Margaret suddenly said, "Jane, you're not pregnant, are you?"

My heart nearly stopped, but I forced a smile, replying calmly, "If I were pregnant, would I be divorcing Bryant and letting you have him?"

That seemed to reassure her. "That's true." she said.

Then she warned me scornfully, "You'd better be smart and finalize the divorce soon. Don't cling to Bry."

"Okay."

Normally, I would have snapped back, but every second with her made me fear slipping up.

Dropping the word, I walked away.

Christine had already snagged us a spot in the cafeteria. When I brought over our meals, she immediately noticed something was off. "You look pale. What's up?"

"How did I never notice your keen detective skills before?" I laughed, easing the tension as I briefly shared what happened.

Christine arched an eyebrow, "She's still nosy about your pregnancy? Seems she doesn't know everyone's already calling her the other woman."

"When did this happen?"

"Just this morning. Didn't you arrive at work with Bryant? Word spread fast. Lots of folks are guessing who the real deal is between you two, and most are betting on you, waiting to see her embarrassment." She scrutinized me, "Speaking of which, why did you come to work with him? Spill the beans."

I sighed, "He moved into Riverview Estate last night."

Christine was baffled, "He's not suddenly having a change of heart, planning some grand 'winning the wife back' scheme, is he?"

I didn't know what to say.

I could have given her a definitive answer last night, but now I was starting to doubt myself.

Bryant's intentions were becoming harder to decipher.

Christine shook her head in despair, "It's over, it's all over. You won't stand a chance if he pulls a few more stunts like that. You'll be head over heels."

"I won't." I gave a bitter smile, "Don't worry, there's still Margaret. She won't allow it to happen."

"That all depends on what Bryant decides. Don't be fooled by his easy-going appearance; he can be ruthlessly decisive. If he wants to shake off Margaret, that's just a matter of time."