Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 626

The anticipation was thick in the air, almost palpable.

The day of the gala had dawned surprisingly bright and clear, a stark contrast to the dreary, rain-soaked days that had preceded it. Vista Town's elite and a smattering of celebrities usually glimpsed only on screen graced the event, making the hotel's entrance a parade of luxury cars and eager reporters.

Catching sight of the cameras, I couldn't help but express my amazement, "My mom really went all out with this."

Beside me, Gregory nonchalantly agreed, "Yeah, the scale of this thing is kind of stressing me out."

I thought he shared my sentiment until he added, "Makes me think I'll have to go even bigger for our wedding."

I was speechless.

I sneaked in through the back door into the green room.

Bella's eyes lit up when she saw me. "My daughter looks stunning."

Despite my excitement, nerves tingled through me.

Feeling the sweat in my palms, she guided me to sit down on a couch. "Take a breather. Ivy will come fetch you when it's your turn."

I nodded.

Before leaving, Bella turned to Gregory, saying, "Try to calm her down a bit, will you? She's still pregnant, and even at three months, we can't have her getting too stressed."

"Of course, Bella."

Gregory settled next to me after Bella left.

He asked, "Want me to say anything in particular?"

"I don't even know..."

"Okay."

Suddenly, he knelt in front of me, "I've been trying to comfort you all morning with no luck. It's hard to control physiological responses."

"But, I might have a slightly unconventional solution."

Intrigued and too preoccupied to question his logic, I went along with it, believing in him.

"What's the plan?"

"I could propose to you."

...

As the guests seated themselves in the banquet hall and the reporters found their spots, the flash of cameras was blinding when Bella took the stage.

"I'm sure you've all heard the rumors. When I initially denied any relationship with Summer Taylor, your curiosity was piqued."

"Here, I'd like to clarify..."

Bella exposed Pearl's past misdeeds and how Summer deceived her, preventing her from recognizing her own daughter.

Being a well-known actress, her tears flowed on cue, enhancing the emotional impact of her speech. She chose a subdued gown for the occasion, willingly playing the supporting role to her daughter.

Her heartfelt delivery moved many in the audience to tears.

However, among the crowd of journalists, a masked woman's eyes gleamed with malice.

...

When Christine came to fetch me, Gregory had stepped out to take a call.

Surveying me, Christine teased, "What's with the flushed ears?"