Lost Me Gained Regret



Edith took a sip of her water, letting out a satisfied sigh, "Jane's just looking out for you, you know." "It's a messy kind of care, though."

Christine nodded, "Go take a seat and relax. I've got to wrap up a few things with a client."

"Sure thing, you do what you gotta do."

I couldn't shake off my unease about Christine, even zoning out while slicing the birthday cake.

Gregory was there to steady my hand, thankfully.

But my worries proved to be unfounded.

Christine and Dailey were seated worlds apart, with a sea of people and an aisle between them, each engaged in their own conversations.

Just as the cake was being served, Christine stood up suddenly, catching me off guard.

Dailey followed suit, both heading my way.

I frantically reached for Gregory, only to find him gone from my side.

"Chris..."

I feared Christine might do something rash. Just as I opened my mouth, she pressed a microphone to my lips, silencing me.

Dailey, too, stationed himself by my side.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Confused, I reached to pull Christine's hand away but stopped when I heard her speak: "Thanks, everyone, for joining us at Jane's birthday bash and Mira's hundred-day celebration. It's a joyous day, and I'm thrilled to present a performance for y'all."

Me: "?"

It wasn't the fact that Christine was performing that puzzled me; she was always the life of the party, outgoing, and multi-talented. Her performing wasn't out of the ordinary.

But why was Dailey up there?

Were they performing together?

"Today's act is quite special; it's a comedy duo."

"And my partner is none other than Mr. Clarkson."

Me: "???"

I blinked at Christine, mouthing, "What are you doing?"

Christine grinned, "This one's especially for you. Take a seat and enjoy."

"

And just like that, I was gently pushed off the stage by Christine.

Edith pulled me to a seat.

While I was still dazed and confused, something felt off.

The duo began their act.

I watched intently, half-expecting a brawl to break out.

But it didn't happen.

Their act was surprisingly good, mimicking a famous comedy show, though they hadn't rehearsed together.

·

It was all impromptu - Christine

with her punchlines and Dailey with

his

Petups, a prelude to

proposal, nothing fancy.

with

"Alright, that's it from Mr. Clarkson and me. Let's welcome the next performer with a big round of applause."

As Christine descended the stage,

petals fell from the sky, and the soft melody of a piano filled the air fo my surprise, the stage began fo rotate, revealing a figure I knew all too well.

He rarely wore all white.

Sitting at the piano, he sang, his deep voice blending perfectly the melody,

, more like storytellet

than singing.

The room fell silent, captivated by the enchanting performance.

I was unaware of this segment, and I'd never seen Gregory play the piano before.

Despite being swamped with work, Gregory had this innate talent that made everything seem effortless.

"Would my lady join me onstage for a duet?"

Caught off-guard, I was suddenly ushered on stage by Gregory.

"What are we playing?"

Gregory whispered the name of the piece into my ear.