Lost Me Gained Regret



Christine's laughter filled the air, light and carefree.

Jane caught that smile and felt a sudden understanding, as if all was laid bare in that moment.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the house.

The family doctor stepped out of the room, her demeanor respectful as she reported to Dailey, "Mr. Clarkson, there's a bit of a tear and some swelling, but nothing too severe. I've prescribed some ointment; a few days of application should do the trick. Just avoid baths for a bit, wipe down if you sweat, and no strenuous exercise or swimming in the ocean for now."

Dailey nodded, silently signaling for Primo to show the doctor out.

He made to leave but was stopped by the sudden opening of the bedroom door.

Nelly peeked out, her voice timid, "Dai, I... I can't see well enough to apply the ointment."

Dailey's face remained impassive. "Didn't the doctor do it just now?"

Silence.

Nelly quickly added, "What about the next few days?"

Dailey's reply was cold, "I'll arrange for someone."

With that, he strode away, leaving Nelly to drop her façade, her face twisting into a snarl of frustration.

...

Reaching the end of the corridor, Dailey saw Gregory waiting and knew instantly that Jane must have told Christine about the earlier incident. The accumulation of events from the night and day had already left him on edge.

Seeing Gregory only added to his irritation.

"Married life turned you into a henpecked husband, huh?"

Gregory picked up on the sarcasm and shot back, "At least I got someone to marry me, not like you, whining about not getting the chance."

Dailey's jaw tightened. "If you two hadn't interfered, I'd have someone by now."

"Oh," Gregory hit where it hurt, "It's not like we know who you'd want to marry anyway."

Dailey restrained himself from throwing a punch.

"Aren't you supposed to be enjoying time with your wife instead of throwing shade my way?"

Gregory wagged a finger, a grin playing on his lips, "Not exactly."

Dailey's mood lightened slightly, "Alright, so you do have a heart."

Gregory's smile turned wicked, "I'm here to see how spectacularly you crash and burn."

"As a brother, it's only right I'm here to pick up the pieces."

Dailey, at his limit, retorted, "Want to settle this outside?"

"Sure," Gregory said, knocking on the door to inform his wife, "Just need to let my better half know."

Dailey scoffed, "Show off your love; see if I care."

Such jabs barely scratched Gregory, "Not like you, dying before you even get the chance to flaunt."

The door opened then, and Jane

saw Dailey gripping Gregory's arme ng aside to give the men' no

But Gregory turned to her, "I'm taking an hour."

Jane, puzzled, asked, "What's going on?"Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Gregory gestured at Dailey, "Someone's asking for it."

Dailey clenched his teeth, promising himself a few good punches on the boxing ring.

"What's up?" Christine emerged, "What's going on between you two?"

Seeing Christine, Dailey's anger dissipated, his lips curving into

, Gregory's

me."

Silence fell.

Jane and Gregory: ?

Christine: Why the sudden mushiness!

"Let's go, Greg," Jane broke the silence, ready to leave the unexpected drama behind.

Gregory had thought a bout on the

boxing ring would let Dailey vent Little did he know, love had turned

the usually stoic man into quite the charmer.