Lost Me Gained Regret

I found myself a cozy spot at the family gathering, swirling the tea in my hands. The aroma was pleasant, and the first sip was a smooth blend of bitterness and sweetness, comforting to my nerves.

I couldn't help but smile, "Timothy always thinks of us when he comes across something special,"

"No wonder Timothy has a soft spot for you, always sweet-talking!" Bryant's aunt chuckled.

I offered a polite smile in return, saying nothing more.

After a bit more light-hearted conversation, Gary ushered us to the dining table for dinner.

The seating was meticulously pre-arranged. Timothy at the head of the table, with Bryant's uncle, aunt and cousin on his right. To his left were Bryant, who had recently taken over the Ferguson Group, myself, my father-in-law, and Margaret.

The hierarchy was clear at a glance, leaving Margaret no choice but to simmer in silence. She might challenge me anywhere else, but not here, not within the walls of the Ferguson Mansion. Even if Bryant and I were to divorce, she wouldn't dare overstep. Here, Timothy had my back.

As I savored my meal, Bryant's aunt eagerly suggested, "Jane, try the lobster bisque."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"I heard from Gary that it's your favorite. Timothy made a special request for it. Freshly caught and flown in just for you. We're all basking in your glow here."

Hearing this, I glanced towards Timothy, his hair now more salt than pepper, and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For years, he filled the void of missing familial bonds in my life.

"Thank you, Timothy," I said with a genuine smile, preparing to enjoy the bisque when suddenly, a wave of nausea overcame me. I excused myself to the restroom, where I had a fit of retching, feeling slightly better afterward.

Upon my return, Timothy looked concerned, "Are you alright, dear? Should we call the doctor?"

Bryant's aunt, with a knowing smile, chimed in, "I think Jane might be expecting. It looks like our family is about to welcome a new member!"

The unexpected revelation of a pregnancy caught me off guard. My heart skipped a beat as I felt the piercing gaze of everyone at the table.

Timothy's face lit up with hope, "Is it true?"

Amidst the mix of anticipation, surprise, and envy, I felt incredibly uneasy.

I scrambled for a convincing excuse.

Facing Timothy's eager eyes, I couldn't bear to deceive him, yet I couldn't reveal the truth either.

With a heavy heart, I responded,."Timothy, I'm not pregnant. It's just some stomach trouble lately that's been making me feel unwell."

To my surprise, Timothy's first reaction wasn't disappointment but concern, "Have you been to the R.

hospital? You've lost weight recently. I'll have Bryant take you for a thorough check-up."

I instinctively wanted to refuse, knowing a check-up would reveal the pregnancy.

Before I could object, a stern glance from Grandpa swept over Bryant, who then agreed, "Of course."

I remained quiet, planning to find an excuse later to avoid the hospital Besides it was unlikely Bryant would anlikely Bryant would remember this conversation.

After dinner, while it was still early, Timothy unexpectedly asked to om speak with me privately a first. with me Anxiety gnawed at me. Had he seen through the facade Bryant and I had.

been upholding?

In his study, Timothy took a seat in his chair and motioned for Gary to close the door before inviting me to sit, "Jane, sit."