Lost Me Gained Regret



Stepping out the door, I immediately spotted Christine's car.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

I flashed a bright smile as I hopped in.

With a mysterious grin, Christine started the engine. "I understand."

Buckling up, I felt a slight blush creeping up my face at the topic, especially since I was the subject of the discussion.

Eager to change the subject, I asked, "Tell me the truth, have you really given up on Dailey?"

Raising her hand as if taking an oath, Christine replied, "As true as it gets, truer than the most genuine pearls."

That settled it for me.

I'd wait to see what Dailey's intentions were before bringing up anything.

...

Dailey had been waiting at the hillside café all day.

But Christine never showed.

He thought the tea would calm his nerves, but it only seemed to fuel his frustration further.

He should've just picked a bar for the meeting.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Yet, he felt that a bar wasn't the right place for serious conversations.

Now, he found himself in a rather embarrassing state.

"Drinking tea all by yourself?"

Just by the tone, Dailey knew who it was without even looking up.

Gregory sat across him, pouring himself a cup of tea with a smirk, "Looks like someone's got a temper these days."

With a cold glance, Dailey asked, "What do you want?"

Gregory leaned back, amused, "Just noticing that your temper hasn't cooled down yet."

Knowing exactly why Dailey was on edge but refusing to bring it up directly, Gregory's presence only agitated Dailey further, prompting him to stand up to leave.

Gregory tapped the table, "Come on, don't be like that. My wife's birthday and my daughter's 100th-day celebration are coming up in a few months. Could you do me a favor?"

Dailey instantly refused, "I'm busy."

Then realizing something odd, "You're not planning to..."

With a calm nod, Gregory confirmed, "Yep."

Dailey was left speechless.

...

Christine took me out towards the suburbs.

Surprised, I asked, "We're going to try on the dress here?"

Nodding, Christine explained, "This dress is from the war era, witnessing the love of a devoted couple during a time when love was often a luxury. Despite the turmoil, they chose each other freely and made it to the altar, living happily ever after with their family around them. I think this dress is perfect for you, resembling the initial sketch you had in mind."

"The lovely couple has passed away, and now one of their great-grandchildren takes care of the dress. This place used to be their home."

I wondered, "Such a meaningful dress must have strict rules against alterations, right?"

With a snap of her fingers, Christine

clarified, "Not exactly. They

mentioned minor alterations are

e

permissible, but nothing that would

drastically change its original

design."

Understanding, I asked, "So, how did Mr. Taylor manage to convince them to lend us the dress?"

Laughing, Christine revealed, "Initially, they were hesitant because they feared the dress might be damaged by significant changes. But after seeing your photo, they agreed."

"Why?" I was puzzled.

Christine pulled me inside as the homeowner greeted us warmly,

"Seeing your photo, Miss, you reminded me a bit of my ancestors. Now, meeting you in person, the resemblance is uncanny. This dress will surely suit you well."

With a wink at me, Christine suggested, "Shall we try the dress on then?"

"Right this way," directed the homeowner.

Christine led me through the door, closing it behind us.

I was immediately drawn to the dress hanging in the center of the room.

"It's exactly what I envisioned." I couldn't hide my excitement.

Christine smiled, "I knew you'd love it. Let's try it on."