Lost Me Gained Regret



Jayne caught on quickly after a moment of thought, her displeasure evident. "It's all because you pointed him in that direction."

Normand, usually so stern, found himself momentarily at a loss.

"I originally didn't want him to go after Christine. Who knew his mind worked so fast?"

Jayne's pride suddenly resurfaced. "Well, of course. Who do you think he gets it from?"

Without missing a beat, Normand retorted, "Yes, from you. Now, for a woman, he's ready to turn his back on the Clarksons. You're his mother. What's your brilliant plan, Mrs. Clarkson?"

Jayne was at a loss for words.

Dailey had grown up. Unlike when he was a child, smart and not easily fooled, he was no longer someone they could easily influence.

"I suspect," Normand began his analysis, "Gregory mentioned giving Dailey a major gift, likely the truth about Nelly's pregnancy. Dailey's wedding is probably his way of exposing Nelly's deeds in front of everyone, leading to her downfall."

Jayne felt a tightness in her chest. "So, does that mean Dailey still intends to be with Christine?"

Normand's expression darkened. "Then we must crush that hope before it takes root. Find out where Christine is, discreetly."

Jayne hesitated. "Must we go to such lengths? If Dailey finds out we went after Christine, he'll lose it."

"Without Christine holding him back, Dailey might become utterly fearless and reckless."

Normand had considered this possibility. "Of course, we can't let him trace it back to us."

His words were clear. "Let's have someone else do the dirty work."

...

DNA test results weren't immediate.

Gregory, never one to shortchange himself, had taken a lounge to wait comfortably.

"Fancy a game?" He gestured with his phone to Dailey, who was lounging on the sofa.

Dailey booted up the game, accepting Gregory's invitation.

As they played, Gregory mused, "Your parents are sharp, living up to their age. They were just caught off guard earlier but must've figured out your wedding plan with Nelly by now."

"They'll probably go after Christine."

Dailey, unlit cigarette in mouth, reclined on the sofa, legs casually thrown over the coffee table.

His demeanor was cool and detached. "So, you're not going to tell me where Christine is?"

"I don't know," Gregory simply said.

Dailey didn't press further.

Gregory's curiosity was piqued, though. He raised an eyebrow. "Got a plan up your sleeve?"

Dailey's reply was nonchalant. "A secret."

They continued their game until dawn when Dr. Andrews finally sent word.

Meanwhile, Nelly had awakened, searching for Dailey.

After reading the test results fromContent bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Dr. Andrews, Dailey's expressio Songs to

remained impassive as he headed for Nelly's room. Content

Gregory, aware of the outcome, went straight home to catch some more sleep with his wife.

...

The moment the hospital room door

opened, Nelly's gaze shot towerit,

her pale face streaked with

swno

"Dai..." Her voice was laced with despair. "We've lost our baby..."

Dailey held nothing in his hands; the test report had already been sent back to the Ferguson Mansion.

Seeing Nelly's pitiful state, his lips barely moved as he uttered his cold decision.

"The wedding will proceed as planned."

Nelly's shock was so intense that her tears stopped in their tracks.