Lost Me Gained Regret



Chris bolted upright from her bed as if shot from a cannon, the urgency of her grandfather's hospitalization propelling her into action. She quickly freshened up, threw on clothes, and hailed a cab to the hospital without missing a beat.

Upon arrival, she dialed Jane, who, along with Gregory, was already there. After a brief exchange, Jane promised to come downstairs to meet her. Chris paced quickly towards Jane, anxiety etched across her face, "What's going on?"

"It's just his age catching up, got a bit too stressed and took a tumble," Jane explained.

Chris bit her lip, worry evident in her tone, "Is it because of me and Dailey?"

Jane shook her head, "Not entirely. Don't beat yourself up over it. Nelly's drama added to the stress too. If you want to see Dailey, I'll talk to Gregory. We have to keep it under wraps from the Clarksons for now, can't let Caldwell catch wind."

"The news about Caldwell's condition is on lockdown, so I can't take you up there just yet, I'm sorry."

Firstly, there was Caldwell's status to consider.

Secondly, despite Jane being Chris's best friend, this was a Clarkson family issue, and she wasn't in a position to make decisions on their behalf. Given the Clarksons' current stance, it was probably for the best that Chris kept her distance.

Chris nodded, understanding, "No need to apologize. I knew what I was getting into with Dailey, given his family's... uniqueness."

"Haven't eaten yet, have you? Let's grab some food," Jane suggested.

They ended up at a diner, finding a quiet booth. The place wasn't too crowded.

As they settled in, Jane filled Chris in on the details, "Nelly told the Clarksons about that night at the hotel. They want Dailey to take responsibility but not to marry."

Chris paused, a wry smile flickering over her face, "Guess Nelly's little scheme didn't quite pan out."

Jane nodded, "As for you and Dailey, the Clarkson's disapproval was expected. It really boils down to what Dailey wants."

After sending a text to Gregory, Jane continued, "Dailey's been swamped trying to contain the situation. His grandparents, despite their arranged marriage, were quite close. He's been too worried and stressed to even charge his phone, let alone reach out. Don't be mad at him."

Chris asked, "Is this what you wanted to tell me, or is it Dailey asking you to?"

"Of course, he asked me. Otherwise, I'd be squarely in your corner. I'm always on your side, no question."

"That's all I need to hear. I can die happy now."

"Stop that," Jane chided, and they shared a laugh.

...

With Dailey kept under close watch, his options were limited. Snatching a moment of privacy in the restroom, Primo handed him a charged phone, and he quickly messaged Chris to apologize.

Stepping out of the diner, Chris felt her phone vibrate.From NôvelDrama.Org.

Dailey: [Sorry, can't call. Just a message to say I'm sorry. Might not see you for a bit. Don't overthink, it's not about you. Take care of yourself, eat well, work hard. If you need updates, Jane's your go-to

Followed by an emoji of someone bowing deeply in apology.

She showed Jane the message.

"I never pegged him for the emoji type," Jane remarked.

Chris replied tersely, "I used to think he was as emotionless as a monk, but turns out, this lonely flower perched on a cliff is pretty hot to handle."

...

As Jane headed back to the hospital,

Chris caught a cab, her concern for Dailey not abating. "Call me the moment there's any news," she urged Jane, her voice a mix of worry and determination.