Lost Me Gained Regret Read Online Novel

"Look at me, man. Christine turned me down, sure, I was bummed out, but look at me now, bouncing back. Recently, I've met a couple of cool chicks, really nice. How about I call them over to hang out for a bit? Guarantee you it'll perk you right up, get you all energized again."

Dailey slammed his hand down on the coffee table, holding a beer bottle against Clarence's head.

"What are you on about, man? What first love?"

Clarence pushed the beer bottle away with his index finger, subtly moving it to the side.

"Nelly, right? Back in the day, you nearly broke it off with your folks over her."

"When she came back from abroad, you were there to pick her up, all smiles."

"But bro, don't sweat it. She's grown up now, probably realized she couldn't marry you and that's why she turned you down. It's not about you not being good enough."

Dailey did indeed go to pick up Nelly, but happy was hardly the word for it.

It was more about the guilt he felt for her having to leave her home country, and the danger she almost faced because of him.

And truth be told, he really did cherish her like a sister.

No romantic feelings involved.

The bond was purer than if they were blood-related.

So when his family wanted to send her away, insisting there was love between them, he was ready to cut ties just to prove them wrong.

But he had never considered she would play such a game, to manipulate him.

"Is that what you've been telling people about me?"

Clarence was utterly confused now.

He'd mentioned the first love thing before, and Dailey had been cool, not batting an eyelid.

But now, looking at him, it was like he was ready to kill.

"I talk, sure, but I'm not a blabbermouth, spilling to everyone."

"It was just when Christine asked, I mentioned it to her."

Gregory's hand, spinning his ring, froze.

Great, another bombshell.

"What did you say?"

Dailey hoisted Clarence up, surprisingly strong despite being drunk.

Clarence was near tears, "Man, you're really hit hard by this, huh? Should I take you to the hospital, you checked out? I can't take a beating, man, don't hit me.

Letn

to a boxing gym, blow off some steam."

"You told Christine that Nelly was my first love?"

"?"

go

Clarence swallowed hard, his voice trembling, "I... was I not supposed to say that... She asked, so I told her." "When was this?" Dailey asked.

"Just around the time Nelly got back, before Greg proposed. Christine was helping Greg find a venue."

Dailey thought Christine's distance was just because of something he'd said at the airport.

He hadn't realized there was more to the story.

No wonder Christine barely made an effort around Nelly.

"That idiot, can't keep things straight. But Greg, you know better."

Dailey let go of Clarence, turning to face Gregory with a voice rough from alcohol, slightly cold.

"Didn't you have your wife clear things up with Christine?"

Gregory chuckled, "You weren't looking to date anyone, what was there to explain?"

"After you two got together, couldn't you have explained?"

Dailey, clutching his aching

Sowned, "Back then I

didn't

V

but Clarence shouting

about Nelly being my first love, you heard that."

Why hadn't Gregory helped him clarify? Jane had even come asking about it.

He had told her the truth.

"This isn't something you should be holding onto, not when you've broken up. It's about

Cup the mess now

Dailey, furious, kicked the coffee table over.

Drinks spilled everywhere.

"I can't just break up with her."

Clarence was lost.

Clarence: "Bro, what are you guys on about? Breaking up with Christine? Who's breaking up with Christine?"