Lost Me Gained Regret

Chapter 881
**Hospital.**
Once Dailey was sure everything was fine, he headed straight to the airport.
Gregory glanced at his watch, "Heading out overnight?"
Dailey nodded, exhaustion etched across his brow.
Gregory held Jane's hand as they left the hospital together, only to find two cars waiting outside.
He asked, "Is Libby going with you?"
Dailey nodded again.
Gregory was puzzled, "What's the plan here?"
"Off we go."
Without answering, Dailey opened the car door and climbed inside.
As the two cars drove away, Jane asked, "Did you meddle in his affairs last night?"
Gregory scratched his chin, "I shouldn't have..."
"Shouldn't have what?"
"Can't I tell who he likes?"
The couple returned home to pack before heading off to their respective offices.
Jane noticed the dark circles under Christine's eyes, barely concealed by makeup, and asked, "Did you go clubbing last night?"

Christine shook her head, "Just couldn't sleep. Maybe the jet lag hasn't worn off."
Jane knew she was lying. They'd been back from St. Petersburg for several days, and yet, insomnia struck only last night.
"Did you see the news?"

Christine nodded.
Jane didn't press the issue but instead asked, "Are you still going on the business trip to Cliffside Town?"
Christine nodded, "I'll sleep on the plane."
"Alright."
Jane personally drove her to the airport.
"Text me when you land safely."
Christine gave a thumbs-up and passed through security.
Cliffside Town was hosting a festival celebrating Western heritage, and they planned to draw inspiration for a new clothing line
incorporating traditional elements. Christine had a friend organizing the event
She was to scout the location first, with Jane joining later to avoid a wasted trip, especially since Jane had design sketches to
finish. The plan had been set since their time in St. Petersburg.
Coincidentally, Dailey was also traveling to Cliffside Town today.
Gregory hadn't known in advance; he'd only found out during his birthday party last night.
As she watched the plane take off, Jane mused. If they ran into each other in Cliffside Town, it would truly be fate.
...
Upon landing, Christine found her friend Duke Northwood waiting for her.
They settled into the hotel Duke had arranged, then headed out for dinner.

"As it's your first visit, I must treat you to something expensive," Duke announced.
Christine was unfazed, "When you visit Vista Town, I'll treat you to the priciest meal there."
"Whoa, you might regret that. The cost of living in Cliffside Town isn't quite the same as Vista Town."
Christine waved it off, "It's nothing."

What she didn't expect was to run into Dailey.
Her first thought upon seeing him was that he had followed her.
But when she noticed the gentle girl by his side, she realized she was
overthinking it. She had been a bit on edge due to his persistent attention in the
past.
"What's up?"
"Nothing."
Duke Northwood, playfully draping an arm around her shoulder, said, "I know you have a thing for handsome guys, but tonight,
do a favor. Even if I'm not as
good-looking, keep your eyes on me." śwnovel
Christine joked, "If I look at you too much, I might lose my appetite."
They had spent time in university as part of the same theater club, and such playful banter was routine. Duke Northwood was
usually the butt of the jokes, given his easygoing nature.
"With your temperament, I'm surprised you're still single."
Duke Northwood handed over his number as the waiter led them to a private
room.
He sighed, "My work with heritage festivals doesn't make much money, not enough to ask someone to endure that lifestyle with
me."
"You've dated, though. What happened when it came to buying a house?"
Christine was surprised, "But you're an organizer now. Aren't heritage and cultural festivals getting more support?"