Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 690

"Mr. Shaw, if you truly hold a place for my mom in your heart, just say the word, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you out."

"And on the flip side, I want to apologize again for the intrusion today."

Raleigh's grip on his coffee mug tightened, a visible tremor running through his hand.

But his response wasn't clouded by emotion; he remained composed.

"Jane, I wouldn't dream of imposing on Bella. If she has affection for me, I'll cherish her for a lifetime. But if not, I'm fully prepared to be by her side as a friend, forever."

Hearing this, a lightbulb went off in my head, and I couldn't help but try to reason with him. "If, like you said, my mom's refusal stems from guilt, then she must have feelings for you."

"If she didn't, a straightforward apology and a clean break would have sufficed, right?"

Raleigh had entertained such thoughts before; he and Bella had shared a lifetime's worth of moments.

Their companionship even outlasted many marriages, fostering a deep understanding between them.

He believed that her lack of outright rejection meant there might be room to advance...

But he later abandoned that hope, not because of her gentle refusal.

Rather, he knew Bella well enough to understand that if she had any interest, she would have made a move.

Her inaction spoke volumes.

...

"Have you ever asked your mom if there's someone she likes?" Raleigh queried, looking at me.

I had asked.

But my mom denied it, claiming she preferred to be alone, to enjoy her freedom.

Yet, to those around her, she seemed anything but free.

This was a far cry from the radiant superstar she once was.

The guilt from that accident at the gala weighed heavily on her, despite her claims of moving on.

"Chris, Jane, drive safe. Text me when you get home."

Christine winked at him before taking the driver's seat.

She turned to see me sulking and declared with confidence, "Trust me, with all the drama I've seen, I can tell. Bella's not indifferent to Mr. Shaw."

Her assurance prompted me to delve deeper into their past.

I consumed all the old gossip I could find.

My mom and Raleigh, just as Christine said, shared a profound connection.

Even as her daughter, the clips pieced together by their fans had me secretly cheering for them.

Had it been anyone else's story, I might have been skeptical. After all, showbiz relationships can be fabricated.

But my mom's feelings for Raleigh... they were unmistakably real.