Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 728

Seeing Dailey's figure nowhere in sight as she turned around, Christine felt a pang of sadness.

The elevator ascended, and Merritt chatted away, trying to distract her. She only half-listened, nursing a headache and responding with little enthusiasm. But Merritt didn’t seem to mind; he was just happy to be there for her. He supported her back to her room, gently helped her sit on the couch, and went to make her a cup of honey lemon tea, a small gesture of care.

He then proceeded to make the bed for her, while he resigned himself to the couch in the living room, grabbing a blanket for himself.

Suddenly, Christine felt sobered up by the reality of their situation. "Merritt, I can't keep pretending," she said.

A long, heavy silence followed.

Merritt stood there, clutching his blanket, just looking at Christine. His eyes were filled with hurt.

Christine rubbed her face, "I appreciate everything you've done for me, and you've been really great, but we can't go any further. I don't want to lead you on."

"You’re always in character for your job, let’s not do that in real life. Just be yourself."

Merritt hugged the blanket tighter, his lips quivered slightly.

He wanted to ask why, but it seemed pointless. The answer was painfully clear.

He had hoped to find a reason, any reason, to keep playing Christine’s boyfriend, thinking maybe, just maybe, she would eventually fall for him. But deep down, he knew it was wishful thinking.

Initially, Christine had approached him out of boredom, and he, eager for any connection, had played along with her game, pretending to be the experienced, carefree lover.