Lost Me Gained Regret

Not far from the bustling crowd, there was Dailey... and, as rumors had it, his first love.

I frowned slightly, "Edith, can you go keep Christine company for a bit? I've got something to handle over here..."

Edith gave me a thumbs up and made her way to Christine, cleverly blocking her line of sight to the unfolding drama.

I quickly sought out Gregory.

Gregory had already spotted the situation and was moving towards Dailey.

"Look who decided to crash the party," he said with a sarcastic tone, "On such a joyous occasion for our family, no less." Before Dailey could respond, Clarence chimed in, "Hey, it's not like that. It's not like there are any of Dailey's exes here." Dailey shot him a glare, "Shut it."

Clarence looked genuinely hurt, "I was speaking up for you."

Dailey ignored him, his gaze attempting to find Christine beyond Gregory.

Gregory sidestepped, effectively blocking his view.

Dailey knew what Gregory meant by 'joyous occasion' - it wasn't just a birthday or a milestone celebration, but also a proposal.

"I'm not here to cause trouble," Dailey finally said.

"Nelly isn't a stranger either, and I've brought a gift," he added, handing over an envelope to me, "Happy Birthday, and congratulations, Mrs. Ford." I offered a polite smile and looked up at Gregory.

Gregory accepted the envelope, weighing it in his hand, "This from both of you?"

Nelly's smile was meticulously perfect, her dark hair cascading down her back, contrasting her simple white dress. She was the epitome of elegance. "Not as stunning as Christine's vibrant beauty, but captivating in her own right," I thought. If Dailey was into Nelly, Christine wouldn't stand a chance. "Just me. Dailey, as your best friend, couldn't possibly be as modest in his gifting as I," Nelly responded, her smile unwavering. The envelope was indeed thick.

"Alright," Gregory nodded, "Find a seat. I've got other guests to attend to. Dailey will keep you company."

"Sure, go ahead," I said, letting them leave.

Once they were out of earshot, I pulled Gregory aside, "How did this happen?"

Gregory shrugged, "I had no idea. Don't blame me."

"He might have helped us, but this... this isn't helping his case."

"Yeah, so don't feel indebted for his help. That's on me. You decide how to deal with him.'

I frowned slightly, "I'll keep an eye on Christine. Just make sure Dailey doesn't stir up trouble." Gregory patted my head, "Guaranteed."

Clarence, still confused, asked, "What are you guys talking about? I didn't catch any of that."

Gregory brushed him off, "Can't you see we're busy here? Go help out."

Clarence had no choice but to curb his curiosity and leave.

Once he was gone, I whispered to Gregory, "Aren't you going to fill him in?" "On what?"

Gregory glanced towards where

Dailey and Nelly had headed, "They're not together, no

ove Met

confession's made. Christine was chasing Dailey, and now it seems to be ending. Better not to say

anything; less trouble that

way,"

concluded, giving me a knowing

look.

I sighed, "Alright then."

he

...

Christine had seen everything.

Edith's attempt at making

conversation was clearly just a distraction, likely Jane's idea

her from witnessing the scokeep

"Enough, Edith Have some water and relax. There's nothing between him and me. Whoever he brings has nothing to do with me. It's Jane's birthday party; I won't be the one to ruin it. Stop worrying about

swne

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