Lost Me Gained Regret

I had a hunch that there was more to the Larson family than met the eye, but it didn't feel right to pry into their affairs, especially with Kathy, someone I had just met.\

Hesitating a bit, I shook my head. "Sorry, I can't get involved. Mark has his reasons to stand by, and as his friend, all I can do is support him."

To harbor feelings for someone for two decades while keeping a cool head, he must've considered every angle. It wasn't my place to interfere.

Kathy's expression didn't sour, and she asked with an even tone, "Aren't you curious who he's fond of?"

I answered, "He'll tell me when he's ready."

It meant he didn't want me to know if he hadn't told me yet. I also felt that in friendship, it was okay to have our secrets. There was nothing wrong with that.

Kathy suddenly shifted the topic. "After he graduated, my grandma hoped he'd take over the family business early on as Bryant did. But he refused, choosing instead to study abroad and then moved on."}

"Do you know why?" she asked.

A middle-aged woman angrily throwing down a whip snapped me back to reality. "I guess he probably doesn't want to be tied to the Larson family."

Kathy's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise at my frankness, but she didn't deny it, "That's part of it. He despises the Larson family the most. But he still shares their blood. Hating them doesn't change that.">

Before I could reply, the footsteps approached, and a large hand pulled me back. Mark stepped before me, his tone thick with wariness and anger. "Kathy, who gave you the permission to bring her here?"}

Kathy frowned. "What, am I going to eat her up or something?"Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

"You wouldn't eat anyone." Mark scoffed sarcastically, "But I wouldn't put it past your mother.">

He said in a deep voice, "If you drag Jane into this again, don't blame me for being ruthless."}

"When have you ever spared me any kindness?" Kathy said indifferently, looking at me, "Ms. Webster, I might need your help with Mark's wounds. He's wary and doesn't want the Larson family's staff involved."}

With that, she placed a bottle of ointment in my hand. Under Mark's suspicious gaze, she calmly said, "Siblings, after all. Isn't there any trust? Don't worry. My mom won't know Ms. Webster was here.">

"That'd be best." Mark didn't appreciate the gesture, grabbing my arm and leading me away from the Larson family.

Before getting into the car, I noticed the bloodstains visible through his white shirt on his back and offered to drive. "I'll drive."

"Okay." He got into the passenger seat.

As we drove off, I hesitated before asking, "The person who... hit you earlier is?"

Mark suddenly fell silent with a flash of deep red in his eyes, quickly fading away. "You saw?"

"Yeah." I nodded.

He hesitated, then resignedly lowered his eyelids, chuckled softly, masking the self-mockery and sarcasm in his eyes, and said cryptically, "Jane, would we still be friends if I told you I was a bastard?"

His tone was casual, but I heard a careful caution in it. He seemed afraid.

Feeling surprised and a pang of empathy, I hit the brakes and pulled over, looking at him sternly. "Why" N Wouldn't we be friends? Mark, our friendship isn't about who you are, but because you are you."}}

"Really?" A hint of a smile finally appeared in his eyes.

I nodded, replying, "Of course, it's true."}