Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 525

"Don't worry about it now."

Glancing at the clock, Bella boasted with pride: "Time to get ready. Tonight, my darling daughter will be the belle of the ball."

...

The celebration was set in a six-star hotel in Vista Town.

The ballroom was lavish and spacious, glittering with lights, a high-class affair indeed, attended by the who's who of society.

By this time, guests had begun to arrive, entering in small groups with their invitations in hand.

Just as we reached the entrance of the ballroom, Gregory called to say he was on his way.

I hung up with a laugh, and Bella, seeing right through me, teased, "My future son-in-law is done with work?"

"Mom!" I blushed, protesting, "You just said you needed to vet him more."

Bella chuckled softly. "With how pleased you are, what's there to vet? I trust your choice. I believe the man you bring home is one in a million."

"Bella, one in a million? Future son-in-law?" Suddenly, a crisp voice came from behind.

Turning around, I saw Edith, arm in arm with Herbert, and holding Ike's hand, coming from the direction of the elevator. They made a striking pair, hard to believe they were a divorced couple.

Seeing Herbert arrive with Edith caught Bella by surprise. Before she could speak, Ike rushed towards me, exclaiming, "Auntie, I've missed you!"

"There, there."

My dress for today, chosen by Bella, departed from my usual simple style, incorporating floral elements and a one-shoulder neckline that bloomed like a flower, adorned with exquisite embroidery. It was too delicate to hug Ike, but he obediently held my hand, standing quietly by my side.

Herbert, reserved and impeccably dressed in a suit, seemed a bit stiff and formal.

He seemed nervous addressing Bella, "Sis, I came uninvited, but there are things I need to say to you in person."

Without waiting for Bella to reply, and ignoring the passing guests, he declared, "You don't have to worry about dragging me down anymore. The Taylor family is under my charge now. I can take care of you!"

Touched by his declaration, knowing this man was my uncle and the woman beside me was my mother, their familial bond moved me deeply.

Turning to see Bella struggling to hold back tears, she mockingly retorted, "Back when you couldn't even change your diapers without crying for me, and now you're protecting me?"

Edith burst into laughter, almost choking on her drink.

Herbert coughed slightly, not embarrassed by the mention of his past, but instead looked earnestly at Bella, "Are you still mad at me?"