Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 398

I held my phone, and my thoughts were suddenly dragged back to the distant past. Fragments, both unfamiliar and familiar, surged into my memory.

"Gregory Ford! You promised to come over for breakfast today, and you overslept again!!"

"Gregory, it hurts...ugh! Give me a piggyback ride, now!"

"Gregory, everyone says we're engaged. What's an engagement?"

"Gregory, pick that one, the big apple!"

"Gregory Ford..."

...

"How is being punctual considered late?"

"Why did you run so fast? Hop on."

"I'll marry you, that's what."

"Alright, alright, little girl."

"Lilliana, have some manners!"

...

I burst into tears, saying, "Gregory, I don't have Grandpa anymore. Grandma says everyone leaves, no one can stay with me forever."

He soothed me patiently, "I will, Lily. I'll always be with you."

Blinking away tears, I said, "Gregory, today you're like a good person."

He lifted his chin proudly, replying, "I always have been."

...

Childhood memories, recent events, and the devastating news of Gregory's death intertwined in my mind. I pressed my hand against my chest, but my face remained dry.

"Jane..." Mark froze, then quickly comforted me, "The departed are gone. Dwelling on it will only harm your health."

I was silent for a long time before murmuring, "I remembered..."

But remembering only made accepting his death harder.

I was done with people controlling my life. They could believe I'm dead for all I care.

"Really?"

Surprisingly, Mark didn't object. He sat beside my bed, "I have some information I hesitated to share with you."

"Go on."

"There might be more to Gregory's death. The night of the lab explosion, a shadowy group booked a flight from Vista Town to Country F."

"You mean," I looked at him, asking, "Gregory might be in Country F?"

"If he's still alive, it's a possibility."

"That's perfect..."

I pressed my lips together, "I can look for clues about him in Country F."

"Yes, you can."

Mark handed me the warm water, "Jane, I respect all your choices."