Her Return, His Regret

Lora got down the stage, her smile reaching her eyes as everyone complimented her work. Indeed of all the things that had happened to her, this was her proudest moment.

Although she had failed in love, she had succeeded in being a mother and nurturing her talent. Seeing everyone so happy and willing to spend millions of dollars because of her work made her chest fill with pride.

As the crowd spread out to mingle and eat, Lora looked for her best friend who just came to join them in the hall.

When their eyes met, Bianca squealed and rushed to her friend before giving her a hug. "You look gorgeous, my friend! This dress looks good on you."

Lora sighed and replied, "I thought I looked good too until I knew where the dress came from."

Bianca's eyes widened and Lora pulled her to the side where it was quieter.

"Are you saying Jason got you the dress?" Bianca asked. "That's so romantic!"

"No... I thought It was Jason but turns out it was Ryan," Lora replied, her eyebrows creasing.

Bianca gasped, her eyes rounding at her friend. She exclaimed, "Wow! That's new... I never thought he was the type to buy someone a dress."

"If I knew it was him, I wouldn't have worn the dress," Lora said, her anger rising at the thought.

"Why not? The dress is stunning and it looks expensive... it's a gift and it won't mean anything if you don't want it to," Bianca pointed out.

"It's easier said than done, Bee. You should have seen the smirk on his face when he saw that I wore the dress he bought," Lora replied, rolling her eyes. She looked at Bianca and added, "Enough about the dress. What's going on? How did you show up at the party and as one of the models?"

Bianca sighed... she was still in the emerald green gown that she had modelled in. She replied, "It's a long story and you wouldn't believe it."

Lora arched an eyebrow and said, "Try me."

Bianca cleared her throat. She appeared to be hesitant to speak. However, just as she was about to say something, a deep voice resonated in the air, interrupting her.

"Hello, ladies!"

Both women turned to the source of the voice and found Adan approaching them. Adan extended his hand towards Lora and remarked, "Congratulations, Lora Davis. I'm Adan Nicholson, Ryan's best buddy." Although Adan's face was calm, he was shocked inside. Seeing Lora up close, he thought he was looking at the face of Ryan's late wife.

Could she really be....?

Lora smiled and shook Adan's hand before saying, "Thank you, Mr Nicholson. It's nice to meet you."

Adan's eyebrows twitched. He brushed the question that was on the tip of his tongue away and remarked, "The pleasure is all mine. If you don't mind, I would like to steal my dance partner for a dance now." "Dance partner?"

Lora frowned in confusion. However, she suddenly saw Adan offer Bianca his arm which she shyly grabbed.

When Lora saw this, her eyes widened slightly in shock. Bianca blushed profusely.

"Bee, you two came together?" Lora asked.

"I'll explain later," Bianca said to Lora as she was dragged to the dance floor.

Lora arched an eyebrow at the two of them. Since when had those two been so close? This night had been full of surprises.

Before Lora could dwell on the issue, she suddenly heard a soft female voice call out to her.

"Lora!"

Lora whipped around and found

Diane Kingsley approaching her with a huge grin on her face. Diane was in a single-strap long gold gown n with her dark hair left to cascade down her shoulders.

"It's me, Diane Kingsley, Ryan's sister, do you remember me? We met last time in the restaurant," Diane said when she reached Lora.

Lora smiled and nodded before replying, "Yes, I remember."

Diane grinned and grabbed Lora's arm before saying, "I loved those pieces of jewelry, my God! You're so good. No wonder my brother likes you."

Lora chuckled awkwardly and remarked, "He doesn't-"

"Oh come on... we could all see how he was looking at you when you two were dancing!" Diane squealed, her eyes twinkling when she looked at Lora who looked so much like Larisa. Diane used to be fond of Larisa, so it felt good to see Lora who looked so much like her. It was like seeing her late sister-in-law all over again.

"Congratulations on the success of the launch... I already bought most of the jewelry but don't tell my brother, I just couldn't resist! They are so beautiful!" Diane added.

"Thank you so much," Lora replied, feeling warm. Diane had always been kind and easy to talk to.

Meanwhile, Aiden Davis who was also at the party happened to see the two women chatting. He approached them and said to his niece, "Congratulations, Miss Davis." When Diane saw the man, she froze and her face flushed pink.

Lora noticed the change in Diane and saw that her uncle was looking at her. She wondered what was going on between the two.

"Thank you, Uncle," Lora responded and Diane raised her head sharply.

Uncle? She had no idea this young, handsome man was Lora's uncle. Come to think of it, she didn't even know his name!

"You're welcome, kiddo," Aiden

remarked, his eyes never leaving

Diane. He smirked at Diane and said,

"Good evening, Miss Kingsley. Just

so you know, I didn't follow you here... I was invited."

Hearing that, Diane's face turned as red as a tomato.

Lora watched her Uncle and Diane's interaction. Last time, Diane was ready to rip Aiden's head off but

now, she was acting like she wamet

ready for a hole to appear in the ground so that she could hide in it.

Did something happen between them?

QUMS

Lora frowned, realising that her close friend and Uncle were somehow entangled with Ryan's people.

She suddenly felt a burning gaze on her and when she looked up, she found Ryan staring at her intently from a distance. Lora's heart skipped a beat.

Why did she keep getting entangled with Ryan? She couldn't help but wonder what fate had in store for her.