Lost Me Gained Regret



Christine and I had just dropped off Ramona and Victor at the Myers Estate.

Victor was mentally unstable now but was incredibly attached to Ramona. He'd occasionally glance my way, flashing me an innocent smile, but hardly spoke a word.

Every now and then, he'd call me "daughter."

Seeing my mom, he'd cheerfully shout "wife," which only my mom's years of mastering her poker face prevented her from rolling her eyes in response.

Yet, he hadn't sought out Pearl and Dorothy, nor mentioned their names at all.

"Ah, Mrs. Ferguson, welcome back."

As we helped Ramona into the Ferguson Estate, we were greeted by someone who seemed slightly younger than her, but clearly a peer.

Looking after Ramona alone wouldn't be an issue.

But then there was Victor...

I suggested, "Ramona, how about I find someone else to help out? Share the load a bit."

The Myers Estate used to have plenty of staff, each with their specific duties.

Now, thanks to whatever mess Pearl had stirred up, not a single servant was in sight.

"I'll call Zoe over."

"No need," Ramona insisted. "It's just cooking. Don't worry about it."

But how could I not worry? "If you won't agree, then come back with me to Elmwood Villas."

Knowing I had her best interests at heart, she didn't argue. "Alright, then find someone."

"Will do."

"Okay, head back now. Come over again on the weekend. Don't fret during the week. Worrying, especially while pregnant, is the last thing you need. It's not just bad for the baby; it mainly affects you."

"We've agreed, any issues, you must tell me immediately. No secrets."

"Of course, of course."

With that, Christine and I left.

In the car, Christine seemed hesitant, shaking her head and sighing.

I found it amusing. "What's up with you?"

"You'd think someone cast a spell on you."

Christine slapped the steering wheel. "This whole situation feels so bizarre. How did Victor end up like this?"

"Do you think he's faking it?"

I paused for a moment, then

dismissed the thought. "Victor's too

l.ne

proud. Even if he was scheming with Pearl, he couldn't fake this convincingly. Besides, Mr. Abdal checked him over, too. His diagnosis

was brain damage."

Christine nodded in agreement. "You're right. We could doubt the doctors, but Mr. Abdul is trustworthy."

Back at Elmwood Villas, as I stepped off the elevator, my mom came to meet me.

She knew I had gone to drop off Ramona and Victor and had returned early, unable to stand Victor's "wife" act any longer.

"He didn't bother you again, did he?"

I shook my head, asking Christine if she wanted to stay for dinner. Christine declined, "I've done my part in bringing you here. Got a date to catch." She was always one for the social scene, something I couldn't join in on these days.

I smiled. "Take it easy on the roads."

"Don't worry, I'm off."

Once she entered the elevator, my mom and I walked in arm in arm.

Discussing Victor, I reassured her, "You won't have to see him again He won't be visiting Elmwood Villas, and Ramona won't let him wander far. It's highly unlikely you two will cross paths."

"Your concern for Ramona is evident," my mom noted after I mentioned arranging care for Ramona.

I nodded, "A bit, yes."

Even though they were just in VistaCopyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Town and planned to have

someone look after Ramona, not

being there in person, especially with

Ramona's health and Victor to

consider, left me uneasy.

My mom smiled, "I knew you'd be worried. I've already asked Ivy to scout for a suitable caretaker. Once she finds someone good, we'll send them over to look after Ramona."

I hugged her. "Thanks, Mom."

She patted my head. "No need to thank me, sweetie."