Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 76

"Are you at home?"

His voice echoed as if he was in a vast, empty space, carrying a tone of exhaustion.

I got up and walked to the balcony, stretching my neck as I moved. Ignoring the ache, I casually asked, "Yeah, what about you? Still caught up with work?"

It was to be expected, after all, Margaret had lost so much blood.

How could he possibly be at ease?

"Almost done here."

Something seemed to lighten his mood, his voice gaining a hint of warmth, "The tickets are on the hallway table, don't forget to grab them on your way out."

Even though I had anticipated it, hearing him confirm it still stung a bit, "You're not coming?"

"Where did that come from? I'll meet you at the stadium entrance..."

He chuckled, but his words were suddenly cut off by a fragile yet breaking question, "Bry, who are you talking to? Didn't you promise me..."

Her words ended abruptly, not because Bryant stopped her, but because the call had been disconnected.

This made it feel like we were having an affair, and I was the other woman.

Staring at the dark screen of my phone, a surge of bitterness overwhelmed me. It felt like an invisible hand was clutching my heart, making it hard to breathe.

I couldn't understand what Bryant was trying to achieve, what situation he wanted to create.

Insisting on moving in with me, showering me with attention, even making our relationship public at work so everyone knew who I was, as if he really cared about me.

And just when I was about to change my mind, he left me hanging, spending the night by Margaret's side.

And now... there was a child involved.

Bryant, what am I to you, really?

As this question surfaced in my mind, my phone lit up with a message.

"If I don't make it before the doors close, go ahead without me."

He had given me his answer. He chose Margaret again.

I stayed on the chat screen, reading that message over and over until my eyes hurt.