Lost Me Gained Regret



The issue that couldn't be shaken off was the scoundrel who had hurt Christine.

"Yes, sir."

After hanging up the call, Dailey wanted to grab a smoke but then realized he was only wrapped in a towel.

He slid open the balcony door to step inside, wandered into the kitchen, and chugged half a bottle of ice water straight from the fridge.

If the security footage couldn't be salvaged, it was time to resort to the more direct methods Greg had mentioned.

Dealing with Merritt could be easy peasy, thanks to his grandma; getting the story of that night from him wouldn't be hard.

But Nelly, that was a different can of worms.

Their stories had to match.

When Christine woke up, it was already dark outside.

She looked around; the place was deserted.

A quick tour of the living room confirmed she was alone.

On the balcony, their clothes from earlier were hanging to dry.

She found her phone to call Dailey.

Just as she dialed, her eyes caught a note on the coffee table.

[Had to run home. Left some food warming in the pot for you. If you're not up for that, text me what you want, and I'll have it delivered.] The call connected at that moment.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

"Awake?"

Christine hummed in response, asking, "What's up at home?"

"Nothing much." Dailey's voice was casual, "Grandpa complained of a headache, insisted I come over."

Though he didn't specify, Christine figured it was his grandfather.

"Alright, you're busy. I'll let you go."

"Yeah, I'll come see you once I'm done."

Christine chuckled, "Take a break, Mr. Clarkson. Don't work yourself to death."

Dailey laughed too, "I'd die a happy man."

Christine shivered, "You're terrible, hanging up now."

Dailey: "Don't forget to eat."

"Got it. When did you become such a nag? Weren't you the strong, silent type?"

"With you, it's different."

Christine's smile widened, "Enough chit-chat."

She hung up before Dailey could respond, leaving him shaking his head in amusement.

"Look at you, all lovesick."

Jayne suddenly appeared, "All this over a girl."

Dailey pocketed his phone, his smile fading, "My first time being in love. Gotta say, it's pretty great."

Jayne clenched her teeth, "Should've

pushed you to date more, introduced you to some girls sooner. Then maybe you wouldn't be treating her like she's made of gold."

Dailey's smile vanished completely, "She's done nothing to you. Don't talk about her that way."

"Did I say something wrong?" Jayne

was visibly upset, "You're all smiles with her but stone-cold with your own mother. She's stealing my son away, how is that not provoking me?"

Dailey rubbed his forehead, "Mom, if you're looking for a mother-son bonding moment, this isn't the way. I don't want to hear this again."

Jayne was at a loss, her only son standing before her, "And what about Nelly? How do you plan to take responsibility?"

"Not going to."

Dailey didn't hesitate, "There's nothing between us. I'm not so lost that I don't remember who I've been with."

"You believe her over your own blood?"

"If you're so keen on taking responsibility, go ahead. I've got someone, and I don't want her upset."

"

Jayne was livid, "You're trying to give me a heart attack!"

Dailey calmly stated, "I've made

myself clear. If you choose not toet

e later."

listen, and it comes to me cutting ties, don't try to guilt-trip me

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

swne

Normand stormed in, raising his hand as if to strike.

Dailey stood his ground, unmoving.

His gaze was calm, almost cold, as he looked at Normand.

But it was Jayne who stopped Normand.

"Let's talk this out!"

Normand fumed, "This is how he talks things out?"

Dailey dusted off non-existent dirt from his clothes.

"Are we done? If not, I'm leaving."

Normand barked, "You're not going anywhere today!"