Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 78

"It's cool, I won't tease you about it."

I patted him on the shoulder, steering the conversation elsewhere with a smile, "So, you're into Eason's music too? You never mentioned it before."

Mark glanced towards the stage, his voice tinged with melancholy, "Just a case of liking what she liked, I guess."

"She's a fan?"

"Yeah, back in college, she really was into his stuff."

"Small world, huh?"

I grinned, "I got into Eason around my college years too."

He returned a meaningful smile, "That is quite the coincidence."

We were seated with a perfect view of the stage, not a single bad angle in sight.

As the familiar intro played and the singer appeared, the whole venue came alive with screams and sing-alongs.

Mark and I, however, were more like two outliers, just quietly listening.

Memories from years past played in my mind like a movie, shifting scenes one after another.

“Ten years ago

I didn't know you

You weren't mine

Yet here we are

Just two strangers side by side

Walking down increasingly familiar streets

Ten years later

We're friends,

Still able to say hello

But that kind of tenderness

No longer gives us a reason to embrace

Lovers eventually turn into friends”

...

Hearing that last lyric, tears suddenly streamed down my face.

I silently cried for what felt like an eternity, reaching for tissues to clean my tears when a pack was handed to me.

Mark's eyes shimmered with restrained emotion, "Once you've cried it out, will you still return to him?"

"Well." I nodded absentmindedly, then it suddenly hit me, and I blurted out in disbelief, "What?!"

I scrutinized Mark from head to toe.

It was hard to believe he was the type to seek thrills.

But then again, it made him seem all the more devoted. A rare kind of man indeed.

He's attracted to a married woman, but he's keeping his respectful distance. Though hoping for someone's divorce might seem a bit morally grey...

Who wouldn't commend such deep affection in a man?

I awkwardly shifted, "Does she know you feel this way?"

"No clue."

Mark seemed unashamed, casually adding, "She's not the bravest. She'd run if she knew."

"So, if she never gets divorced, you'll wait forever?"

My curiosity was piqued.

I usually stay out of gossip, but Mark's situation, being so contrary to his usual demeanor, genuinely intrigued me.

"I'll wait."

He didn't shy away from my probing question, affirming his stance before his expression softened with a hint of warmth, "But, it'll be soon."