“
Alex stared at me with an uncharacteristic glint of disbelief in his eyes.
“What?”
“Ninety-nine percent of people in this world are idiots,” he said. “I regret to inform you that you’re one of them.”
My brows snapped together. “I’m convinced you don’t actually want to be my friend again.”
Where was the ass kissing? The flattery? He gave up his company and flew to fucking London for Ava, but I couldn’t get so much as a sympathetic that sucks, man? Talk about getting the short end of the grovel stick.
”
”
Ana Huang (Twisted Hate (Twisted, #3))
“
Master Meriadoc,’ said Aragorn, ‘if you think that I have passed through the mountains and the realm of Gondor with fire and sword to bring herbs to a careless soldier who throws away his gear, you are mistaken, If your pack has not been found, then you must send for the herb-master of this House, And he will tell you that he did not know the herb you desire had any virtues, but that it is called westmansweed by the vulgar, and galenas by the noble, and other names in other tongues more learned, and after adding a few half-forgotten rhymes that he does not understand, he will regretfully inform you that there is none in the House, and he will leave you to reflect on the history of tongues.
”
”
J.R.R. Tolkien (The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, #3))
“
And you threaten to abandon us to Voldemort if we do not comply with your wishes."
Harry's voice was razor-sharp. "I regret to inform you that you are not the center of the universe. I'm not threatening to walk out on magical Britain. I'm threatening to walk out on you. I am not a meek little Frodo. This is my quest and if you want in you will play by my rules."
Dumbledore's face was still cold. "I am beginning to doubt your suitability as the hero, Mr. Potter."
Harry's return gaze was equally icy. "I am beginning to doubt your suitability as my Gandalf, Mr. Dumbledore. Boromir was at least a plausible mistake. What is this Nazgul doing in my Fellowship?
”
”
Eliezer Yudkowsky (Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality)
“
Life does not go on when our loved ones leave us. Life departs in all ways. The life we have known, the life we have anticipated, the life we hoped for—all of it disappears in an instant when the dreaded telegram arrives. “I regret to inform you . . .” Were any words ever more painful?
”
”
Hazel Gaynor (Last Christmas in Paris)
“
Ninety-nine percent of people in this world are idiots,” he said. “I regret to inform you that you’re one of them.
”
”
Ana Huang (Twisted Hate (Twisted, #3))
“
But I regret to inform you that you are probably not dying'
'As you will.' I take a swig from the bottle of brandy, my teeth chattering against it. I don't have the energy to argue; I must save my strength for my imminent demise.
”
”
Janet Mullany (Improper Relations (Lord Shad, #1))
“
August 25, 1991 Dear friend, I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn’t try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have. Please don’t try to figure out who she is because then you might figure out who I am, and I really don’t want you to do that. I will call people by different names or generic names because I don’t want you to find me. I didn’t enclose a return address for the same reason. I mean nothing bad by this. Honest. I just need to know that someone out there listens and understands and doesn’t try to sleep with people even if they could have. I need to know that these people exist. I think you of all people would understand that because I think you of all people are alive and appreciate what that means. At least I hope you do because other people look to you for strength and friendship and it’s that simple. At least that’s what I’ve heard. So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be. I try to think of my family as a reason for me being this way, especially after my friend Michael stopped going to school one day last spring and we heard Mr. Vaughn’s voice on the loudspeaker. “Boys and girls, I regret to inform you that one of our students has passed on. We will hold a memorial service for Michael Dobson during assembly this Friday.” I don’t know how news travels around school and why it is very often right. Maybe it was in the lunchroom. It’s hard to remember. But Dave with the awkward glasses told us that Michael killed himself. His mom played bridge with one of Michael’s neighbors and they heard the gunshot. I don’t really remember much of what happened after that
”
”
Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower)
“
To Their Most Royal Majesties, the King and Queen of Ravka:
It is with a sad heart that I must proffer my regrets and inform you that I will be unable to attend the festivities celebrating the birth of Prince Nikolai Lantsov, Grand Duke of Udova.
Unfortunate circumstances have arisen, namely that my best friend can’t seem to stand the sight of me, and your son didn’t kiss me, and I wish he had. Or I wish he hadn’t. Or I’m still not sure what I wish, but there’s a very good chance that if I’m forced to sit through his stupid birthday dinner, I’ll end up sobbing into my cake.
With best wishes on this most happy of occasions,
Alina Starkov, Idiot
”
”
Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2))
“
Reader, it gives me no pleasure to inform you that behind me was a floor-to-ceiling display, museum, of Tony Packo’s–branded gender pickles—and no, not those gender pickles. There is a second brand of gender pickles, and they are even hornier. It absolutely wrenches my guts to let you know that after ordering the Hungarian hot dog, which I will foreshadow is terrific, I carefully inspected every aggressively anthropomorphized heterosexual pickle, pepper, sausage, and tomato. It makes me sick to know it is my duty as the sole chronicler of This Sort of Thing to disclose what I have learned. It feels awful to share that there appears to be a storyline to this wall of pickles and mustard, a love story I will retell as faithfully as possible. With deepest regrets, this is the story of how the Tony Packo’s pickle and the Tony Packo’s pepper fucked each other and had a baby.
”
”
Jamie Loftus (Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs)
“
But if her idiot suitors were staying at Halstead Hall with her, then by thunder, he'd be here, too. They wouldn't take advantage of her on his watch. "We're agreed that you won't do any of that foolish nonsense you mentioned, like spying on them, right?"
"Of course not. That's what I have you for."
Her private lackey to jump at her commands. He was already regretting this.
"Surely the gentlemen will accept the invitation," she went on, blithely ignoring his disgruntlement. "It's hunting season, and the estate has some excellent coveys."
"I wouldn't know."
She cast him an easy smile. "Because you generally hunt men, not grouse. And apparently you do it very well."
A compliment? From her "No need to flatter me, my lady," he said dryly. "I've already agreed to your scheme."
Her smile vanished. "Really, Mr. Pinter, sometimes you can be so..."
"Honest?" he prodded.
"Irritating." She tipped up her chin. "It will be easier to work together if you're not always so prickly."
He felt more than prickly, and for the most foolish reasons imaginable. Because he didn't like her trawling for suitors. Or using him to do it. And because he hated her "lady of the manor" role. It reminded him too forcibly of the difference in their stations.
"I am who I am, madam," he bit out, as much a reminder for himself as for her. "You knew what you were purchasing when you set out to do this."
She frowned. "Must you make it sound so sordid?"
He stepped as close as he dared. "You want me to gather information you can use in playing a false role to catch s husband. I am not the one making it sordid."
"Tell me, sir, will I have to endure your moralizing at every turn?" she said in a voice dripping with sugar. "Because I'd happily pay extra to have you keep your opinions to yourself."
"There isn't enough money in all the world for that."
Her eyes blazed up at him. Good. He much preferred her in a temper. At least then she was herself, not putting on some show.
She seemed to catch herself, pasting an utterly false smile to her lips. "I see. Well then, can you manage to be civil for the house party? It does me no good to bring suitors here if you'll be skulking about, making them uncomfortable."
He tamped down the urge to provoke her further. If he did she'd strike off on her own, and that would be disastrous. "I shall try to keep my 'skulking' to a minimum."
"Thank you." She thrust out her hand. "Shall we shake on it?"
The minute his fingers closed about hers, he wished he'd refused. Because having her soft hand in his roused everything he'd been trying to suppress during this interview.
He couldn't seem to let go. For such a small-boned female, she had a surprisingly firm grip. Her hand was like her-fragility and strength all wrapped in beauty. He had a mad impulse to lift it to his lips and press a kiss to her creamy skin.
But he was no Lancelot to her Guinevere. Only in legend did lowly knights dare to court queens.
Releasing her hand before he could do something stupid, he sketched a bow. "Good day, my lady. I'll begin my investigation at once and report to you as soon as I learn something."
He left her standing there, a goddess surrounded by the aging glories of an aristocrat's mansion. God save him-this had to be the worst mission he'd ever undertaken, one he was sure to regret.
”
”
Sabrina Jeffries (A Lady Never Surrenders (Hellions of Halstead Hall, #5))
“
Nesta, it should not have come out as it did.'
'Did Cassian tell you that?' He'd gone to Feyre, rather than here?
'No, but I can guess as much. He didn't want to keep anything from you.'
'My issue isn't with Cassian.' Nesta levelled her stare at Amren. 'I trusted you to have my back.'
'I stopped having your back the moment you decided to use that loyalty as a shield against everyone else.'
Nesta snarled, but Feyre stepped between them, hands raised. 'This conversation ends now. Nesta, go back to the House. Amren, you...' She hesitated, as if considering the wisdom of ordering Amren around. Feyre finished carefully, 'You stay here.'
Nesta let out a low laugh. 'You are her High Lady. You don't need to cater to her. Not when she now has less power than any of you.'
Feyre's eyes blazed. 'Amren is my friend, and has been a member of this court for centuries. I offer her respect.'
'Is it respect that she offers you?' Nesta spat. 'It is respect that your mate offers you?'
Feyre went still.
Amren warned, 'Don't you say one more fucking word, Nesta Archeron.'
Feyre asked, 'What do you mean?'
And Nesta didn't care. Couldn't think around the roaring. 'Have any of them told you, their respected High lady, that the babe in your womb will kill you?'
Amren barked, 'Shut your mouth!'
But her order was confirmation enough. Face paling, Feyre whispered again, 'What do you mean?'
'The wings,' Nesta seethed. 'The boy's Illyrian wings will get stuck in your Fae body during the labour, and it will kill you both.'
Silence rippled through the room, the world.
Feyre breathed, 'Madja just said that the labour would be risky. But the Bone Carver... The son he showed me didn't have wings.' Her voice broke. 'Did he only show me what I wanted to see.'
'I don't know,' Nesta said. 'But I do know that your mate ordered everyone not to inform you of the truth.' She turned to Amren. 'Did you all vote on that, too? Did you talk about her, judge her, and deem her unworthy of the truth? What was your vote, Amren? To let Feyre die in ignorance?' Before Amren could reply, Nesta turned back to her sister. 'Didn't you question why your precious, perfect Rhysand has been a moody bastard for weeks? Because he knows you will die. He knows, and yet he still didn't tell you.'
Feyre began shaking. 'If I die...' Her gaze drifted to one of her tattooed arms. She lifted her head, eyes bright with tears as she asked Amren, 'You... all of you knew this?'
Amren threw a withering glare in Nesta's direction, but said, 'We did not wish to alarm you. Fear can be as deadly as any physical threat.'
'Rhys knew?' Tears spilled down Feyre's cheeks, smearing the paint splattered there. 'About the threat to our lives?' She peered down at herself, at the tattooed hand cradling her abdomen.
And Nesta knew then that she had not once in her life been loved by her mother as much as Feyre already loved the boy growing within her.
It broke something in Nesta- broke that rage, that roaring- seeing those tears begin to fall, the fear crumpling Feyre's paint-smeared face.
She had gone too far. She... Oh, gods.
Amren said, 'I think it is best, girl, if you speak to Rhysand about this.'
Nesta couldn't bear it- the pain and fear and love on Feyre's face as she caressed her stomach.
Amren growled at Nesta, 'I hope you're content now.'
Nesta didn't respond. Didn't know what to say or do with herself. She simply turned on her heel and ran from the apartment.
”
”
Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #4))
“
front porch. Oh, God. No. Please. No. “Yes,” she said, trying to keep the tremor from her voice. “I…I’m Mrs. Wallace.” The young soldier handed her an envelope. “I regret to have to inform you that Lieutenant Robert Wallace was killed at the Battle of Appomattox on April
”
”
Cynthia Woolf (Nellie (The Brides of San Francisco, #1))
“
My sweet affliction.” He sighs while leaning his head down, silently challenging me to back away, but I don’t. “I regret to inform you that I don’t beg.
”
”
Olivia Rose Darling (Fear the Flames (Fear the Flames, #1))
“
I’m going to be thinking about you all day. I have so many meetings, Margo. I can’t be hard for all of them.”
“I regret to inform you that you share an office with me and you can’t escape,” I teased.
“I don’t regret any of the time I’ve spent with you. Not one single moment.”
“Even when we were enemies?” I poked him in the leg and he grabbed my hand.
“Even then. God, the way you used to bark at me around the office. I was hard all the time.” He let his head fall back against the seat and closed his eyes. “And there’s this one dress you wear to client meetings that drives me absolutely insane.”
“The light blue one? I thought you hated that dress. You always looked so angry on the days I wore it.” I remembered his jaw clenching during client meetings. He huffed a laugh, and I admired the sweep of his lashes and his full lips.
“Angry is not what I was feeling.”
I sat back. “Wow. Wait, what about the leggings?”
He opened his eyes, and they were hazy with desire. “I fucking love those,” he murmured.
“This is going to be fun.
”
”
Sophia Travers (Partner Material (Keep Your Enemy Closer, #1))
“
I smiled. “— and so, after careful consideration,” I said, “I regret to inform you that you are still a snivelling, opportunistic parasite—and the most contemptuous scum I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with.
”
”
Nicholas Atwater (Echoes of the Imperium (Tales of the Iron Rose, #1))
“
Please tell me it's going to rain today, Francois.'
'Ah!' he smiled. (This was obviously familiar territory.) 'I regret to inform you that the forecast calls for nothing but sunshine.'
'Relentless sunshine,' she corrected him.
”
”
Kathleen Tessaro (The Perfume Collector)
“
In the unlikely event that she does escape me, I will inform you all. If you catch her, you are to detain her and return her to me.” His eyes glowed like the fires of hell. “She is not to be harmed in any way, or so help you God, you will regret it until your last breath.” *
”
”
Brooklyn Ann (Bite at First Sight (Scandals with Bite, #3))
“
Was just checking to make sure that you're still breathing.'
'I regret to inform you: yes.
”
”
Lex Croucher (Gwen & Art Are Not in Love)
“
Women leave my room feeling all sorts of things, but I guarantee unsatisfied isn’t one of them.”
“That’s what men always think. I regret to inform you they’re probably faking it.”
“I can tell the difference between a fake orgasm and a real one, JR.”
“So you’re saying women have faked orgasms with you.”
“My first few times.” I wasn’t embarrassed by the fact. Everyone started at zero. “But practice makes perfect. Maybe you’ll find out for yourself one day, if you’re lucky.”
Jules gagged as we followed Alex and Ava out of the lobby to our lodge. “Don’t make me throw up. We just got here, and I despise vomit.
”
”
Ana Huang (Twisted Hate (Twisted, #3))
“
Nearly Headless Nick shook his letter open and read furiously: “‘We can only accept huntsmen whose heads have parted company with their bodies. You will appreciate that it would be impossible otherwise for members to participate in hunt activities such as Horseback Head-Juggling and Head Polo. It is with the greatest regret, therefore, that I must inform you that you do not fulfill our requirements. With very best wishes, Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore.
”
”
J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2))
“
Master Meriadoc,’ said Aragorn, ‘if you think that I have passed through the mountains and the realm of Gondor with fire and sword to bring herbs to a careless soldier who throws away his gear, you are mistaken. If your pack has not been found, then you must send for the herb-master of this House. And he will tell you that he did not know that the herb you desire had any virtues, but that it is called west-mansweed by the vulgar, and galenas by the noble, and other names in other tongues more learned, and after adding a few half-forgotten rhymes that he does not understand, he will regretfully inform you that there is none in the House, and he will leave you to reflect on the history of tongues. And so now must I. For I have not slept in such a bed as this, since I rode from Dunharrow, nor eaten since the dark before dawn.
”
”
J.R.R. Tolkien (The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, #3))
“
The house phone rang loudly, interrupting her thoughts. She thought that it was Mizan and she rushed to answer it. “Hello?” “Hello, this is Warden Christopher Hill at Huron Valley Women’s Correctional Facility. I’m trying to reach the daughter of Justine Atkins ... a Ms. Raven Atkins.” “Yeah, this is she,” Raven responded. “What’s going on? Is my mother in trouble?” “No, miss. I regret to inform you that your mother committed suicide last night,” he stated. Raven dropped the phone, sending it crashing to the floor. I was just there yesterday. Why would she do this?
”
”
Ashley Antoinette (Moth to a Flame)
“
Firing missiles. I regret to inform you, Master, that we have no more left after that.
”
”
Yomu Mishima (Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs, Volume 9)
“
I regret to inform you that tomorrow’s settlement conference has been canceled by Varrick Labs.
”
”
John Grisham (The Litigators)
“
I regret to inform you that this excuse was not enough; the firm response was that you should be dedicated to the work of women instead of taking that of men.
”
”
Miya Kazuki (Ascendance of a Bookworm: Part 5 Volume 4)
“
I regret to inform you that your grandmother died in captivity; however, your brother is still safe.
”
”
Gigi Styx (Taming Seraphine (Morally Black, #1))
“
Emperor Daksha, Suryavanshi liege, protector of Meluha. Please accept my deep condolences for the dastardly attack on Mount Mandar. Such a senseless assault on peaceful Brahmins cannot but be condemned in the strongest of terms. We are shocked that any denizen of India would stoop to such levels. It is, therefore, with surprise and sadness that I read your letter. I assure you that neither me nor anyone in my command has anything to do with this devious attack. Hence I have to inform you, with regret, that there is nobody I can hand over to you. I hope that you understand the sincerity of this letter and will not make a hasty decision, which may have regrettable consequences for you. I assure you of my empire’s full support in the investigation of this outrage. Please do inform us as to how we can be of assistance to you in bringing the criminals to justice.
”
”
Amish Tripathi (The Immortals of Meluha (Shiva Trilogy, #1))
“
She looked out over the class and placed her books down on the podium at the front of the room. “I am afraid that Professor Logan will not be able to teach this course. I regret to inform you that he has come down with a severe case of being dead.” She readjusted her glasses. “According to police, he committed suicide by,” she glanced down at the report in her hand, “drowning himself in a tub of nacho cheese in the campus cafeteria.” “Tragic.” Poacher said sadly and ate another one of his nachos. “That poor man.
”
”
Elizabeth Gannon (Electrical Hazard (Consortium of Chaos, #4))
“
I regret to inform you of the fact that Tuck has claimed me, and as his minion, I do as he says, and he wants up on the counter to observe my work and pass judgement. In his service, I cannot deny him.
”
”
Kristen Ashley (After the Climb (River Rain #1))
“
Not for long, my lord,” Reeves said, smiling. “I regret to inform you that I must be leaving soon.” Christian’s smile faded. “But…why?” “Between starching your cravats and assisting you in discovering the errors of your ways, I have been writing a book.” “A book? On what?” “How to be a proper butler.” Christian sighed. “I was just a research project to you, wasn’t I?” Reeves’s lips twitched. “I shall dedicate the book to you and your brother, my lord. I must say, I have never served two more worthy men.” “Thank you. I am certain my brother will thank you even more than I.
”
”
Karen Hawkins (Her Officer and Gentleman (Just Ask Reeves, #2))
“
Jessie’s eyes widened and her head shot up. “And you’re only coming for advice now, after all of this time?” she asked pointedly. “I don’t need your judgement, Jessie,” Toni countered angrily. In an instant Jessie regretted her tone. Where was her so called professional manner? The scratching of the ballpoint pen against yellow paper was the only sound in the office as Jessie transcribed the gist of their discussion in shorthand. A small, dark part of Jessie still hated Toni for abandoning her to the mercy of those bullies ten years ago, and it revelled in seeing her in similar straits now. But she hated that part of herself for holding on to an empty grudge for so long. As her pen filled the page with notes, she cleared her throat for Toni’s attention. “I’m very sorry to hear that you’ve suffered this kind of treatment, Toni. You really do have my sympathies. Who did you take your concerns to at your place of work?” “I spoke to the owner, Mark Baldwin. He basically tried to shut me down by taking her side.” “Did you put your complaint in writing?” “No, I didn’t see the point after my conversation with him. So what happens now? Are you going to call him?” Jessie shook her head. “I’m afraid it doesn’t work like that. I’ll give you an outline of the procedure, should you wish to proceed.” Jessie rested the pad on the desk. “So far, you have only made an informal complaint, so your first step is to write a grievance letter to your employer about the issues you have encountered.” She restlessly played with the pen between her fingers as she continued. “They will investigate and then invite you to a meeting to state your case. You can have someone accompany you at this meeting. Your workplace will then inform you of the outcome and if you aren’t happy, you have the right to appeal their decision. It is only after this that you can consider a tribunal and it would be at that point we would get involved.” “Okay, so I just write the letter to start with? I can’t see it doing any good though,
”
”
Jade Winters (Say Something)