Lost Me Gained Regret

When Mark's eyes lit up with excitement, I knew I had made the right bet.

"Let's make a video," I suggested, a smirk playing on my lips. "We'll send it to Gregory, show him he's got nothing on you, and that I belong with you." Mark's gaze upon me was intense, bordering on maniacal.

I reached for his phone, trying to play it cool, but he lifted his hand, letting it slip right through my fingers.

"All I wanted was to hit record," I said calmly.

Mark remained silent, his eyes locked on mine.

Turning away, I feigned annoyance. "It was your idea to make this video. Film it or don't, your call."

For years, Mark had been biding his time, cloaked in shadows, plotting his next move.

Now, faced with a challenge against Gregory, he wouldn't back down easily. Yet, despite my bravado, my heart raced, especially as his silence stretched on.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

I was about to up the ante when I felt his hand on my shoulder, spinning me around.

I saw him enable the camera's recording feature, his voice laced with restrained excitement. "Then let's start."

His thumb brushed the screen, and the recording countdown began.

I pulled him close, capturing his surprised expression. "Close your eyes," I whispered.

Mark, perhaps underestimating my audacity, complied.

I moistened my thumb and pressed it lightly against the corner of his mouth, mimicking a kiss.

After the act, I turned to the phone. "You see that, Greg? He's into me. I'm choosing to be with him. You can stop looking for me."

I hit stop and tried to regain my composure, though my nerves were shot.

I couldn't bring myself to meet Mark's eyes.

One second, two, three...

I watched as Mark sent the video off, a wave of relief washing over me.

But then, he said, "You didn't actually kiss me."

I bluffed, "Of course, I did."

Mark's hand captured my face, his thumb pressing against my lips, the

Pdering me unable to pull away. è causing me pain ander

Finally, he let go, leaving my lips burning.

"Jane, you might be clever, but bet on wrong horse," he said "Even if you signal Gregory,

het find you."

"Not everywhere is under Gregory's control."

I didn't understand what he meant, but my faith in Gregory was unshakable. I believed he would find me.

...

At the border, Gregory faced unexpected obstacles.

Meanwhile, Lucius received the video and hesitated to show it to Gregory.

Dailey noticed Lucius' distress.

"Don't tough it out. Let Dr. Andrews help if you're feeling off," he advised. "Sticking with Gregory all these years, even if he's mad, he won't kill you."

Lucius had always been loyal, and loyalty like his was hard to come by.

But when Dailey finished speaking, Lucius handed him the phone.

"What's this?"

"Just watch."

Dailey played the video, and his mind reeled.

If Mark had forced Jane, that'd be one thing. But Jane cooperating? That was a whole different can of worms.