Lost Me Gained Regret



I slipped into the gown layer by layer, following the sequence meticulously.

I was bracing myself for a tight squeeze around the waistline, ready to suck in my breath so Christine could fasten the buttons. I figured, once I return the dress, I'd slim down a bit, and by the wedding day, it would fit just right.

But to my surprise, I felt no pinch.

"It fits quite well, actually. Looks like we won't need to alter it, though we might loosen it around the bust a bit."

Christine spun me towards the mirror, clearly impressed. "It's absolutely stunning on you! Gorgeous!"

I admired my reflection, pleased. This was exactly the gown I had envisioned.

For the tuxedo, I didn't even need to see Gregory try it on to know he'd look dashing.

"I think it's fine as is. The bust might seem a tad snug now, but it'll fit better in time."

Christine nodded in understanding. She opened the door to call in the owner.

The moment the owner stepped in, their eyes lit up. "It's as if it was tailor-made for you."

Then, they added, "I can't lend this dress out..."

"Eh, why not? I thought we had an agreement," Christine was puzzled.

The owner hurried to explain, "I'd rather gift it to you."

"When my ancestors passed, they left a word about finding the rightful person. But all these years, we didn't know who that would be. Seeing this lady today made it clear."

"Yes, yes, this is destiny."

Christine was overjoyed, but after exchanging a glance with me, she added, "But we can't accept such a generous gift without offering something in return..."

The owner waved off the concern, "It's just two pieces of clothing. They might seem valuable because they're old, but that's about it."

As if it were that simple.

The craftsmanship was impeccable, the silk and fabric exquisite.

Clearly, this was from a wealthy household of yore.

"Some things can't be measured in value. The fact that this dress is still in pristine condition and retains its elegance shows how much you've cherished it."

"Even though its value might be immeasurable, I still can't accept it without giving something in return..."

The owner insisted, "If I say it's a gift,

then please accept it as such. If

really feel uneasy, then grantoets

request."

"Please," I urged.

one

"Take good care of this dress, and hopefully, it will find another deserving owner through you." "Agreed."

I didn't push back any further and accepted the offer.

On the way back, I held the two gowns close, reluctant to let them go.

Christine chuckled at me, "You owe me big time for this."

I nodded, "Of course."

...

Back at Elmwood Villas, stepping out of the elevator, we were greeted by the sound of renovations next door.

Christine heard it too, "Had I known the place next door was for sale, d have bitten the bullet and bought it.

Could've been your now

"Welcome back."

No sooner had Christine and I settled down than my mom walked in with Mira in her arms, all smiles.

"Did you guys hear the renovation noise from next door?"

I chuckled, "Mom, were you taking Mira to check out the commotion?"

My mom shook her head, "No, I was checking out our new place." "What?"

Christine and I were both taken aback.

My mom explained, "I was thinking of getting you to move to Cloud Villas, but Gregory wouldn't like it. So, I thought of buying a place nearby to help with the kids while giving you and Gregory some space. Turns out, Gregory thinks our current place is too small, so he bought the unit next door. Plans to

knock through to create more space. This way, we all have our

areas, it's easier to look after the kids, and they get a bigger play area."

It always seemed excessive to me, cramming all those entertainment options into a home.