Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 859

"Grandma is fine; the neighbors next door are helping me look after her."

"I had an audition nearby, so I came over. I didn't expect to run into you, sis."

Despite Merritt's excitement, Christine couldn't bring herself to smile.

"Merritt, about what Jane told you..."

"You don't need to say anything," Merritt interrupted, "From now on, you're just my sister. If you ever need anything, call me. I may not have power, but I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."

Christine felt a mix of emotions. "There's no need to go that far."

"Sis, what brings you to Riverside City all of a sudden? Is it for work?"

Merritt tried to change the subject, but Christine knew she had to be clear.

"Merritt, I think we need to keep our distance. From the moment you started having feelings for me, if I can't reciprocate, we can't even be friends."

"The reason I went to Mistwood with you was to uncover the truth about that night in RiverCity and to relax my mind. Beyond that, there's nothing else."

Merritt's smile was tinged with bitterness. He had thought he would never see Christine again, and all he wished was for her to be safe and happy. If he ever made something of himself and she wasn't happy, he would do whatever it took to rescue her.

But now, fate had brought them together again. Wasn't this destiny? Yet, it seemed like a flimsy excuse to comfort himself. She simply didn't care.

"Sis..."

Christine interrupted, "I can't stay here. Pretend you never saw me." With that, she hurried away.

The store owner thought she had something urgent and stopped her to ask.

Christine simply said she had an emergency.

The owner returned her money, "Take care, dear."

"I will."

Christine made her way through town and eventually found a quaint little house for rent. It was a private rental, requiring just a simple lease agreement, no computer registration necessary.