Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Timothy, are you there?"

It was Sheila's voice.

Timothy rolled off Jessica, pulling the covers over her naked body.

He hadn't even bothered to close the bedroom door when he brought Jessica in, still flush from their passion.

Now footsteps echoed down the hallway, getting closer.

"Timothy?" Sheila called again, her voice right outside.

"I'm in the bedroom," he replied, trying to sound casual. "Wait for me in the living room."

"Oh, all right," Sheila answered, her footsteps retreating.

Timothy had only slipped off his jacket. Now, with deliberate composure, he tidied his clothes, shrugged his jacket back on, and left the room.

Jessica felt a wave of humiliation wash over her.

She was completely exposed, nothing but the tangled bedsheets to hide her shame, while Timothy walked away looking as dignified as ever.

He and Sheila still shared the same apartment-otherwise, why else would she barge in without knocking?

And after what he'd just done to Jessica, the thought made her sick.

There was no way she'd ever believe that Timothy and Sheila, living together under one roof, were just innocent housemates.

If Timothy could brazenly bring Sheila home right in front of her, what else was he capable of?

"Timothy, have you seen Jessica?" Sheila's voice drifted in from the other room. Jessica could hear them talking, and realized Sheila wouldn't be coming in for now. She gathered her clothes and slipped into the bathroom.

She couldn't bear the mess Timothy had left her in. She needed to wash every trace of him off before she left.

She turned on the shower; the steady rush of water drowned out every sound from outside.

"She's in the bedroom," Timothy said.

Sheila's eyes drifted to the coffee table and landed on the silver swan brooch resting there.noveldrama

She pretended not to notice.

Timothy had bought that brooch for Jessica, but Sheila could play dumb—after all, she'd received her own gift first. Even if Jessica had one now, she'd be left to wonder. That was enough.

"Did you talk to her?" Sheila kept up her usual act, all sweetness and concern for Timothy's marriage.

"You don't need to worry about me. There's nothing going on between us," Timothy replied quietly. He had no intention of leaving Jessica, not for Sheila or anyone else...

A flicker of bitterness crossed Sheila's face, but she forced a bright smile. "Since I got back, I haven't properly seen Jessica. It's lunchtime-why don't I treat you both to a meal?"

Timothy hesitated. Ever since that school event, Jessica hadn't been herself. Sheila had said she was just his aunt, but Jessica clearly didn't believe it. Maybe she was still upset about the whole thing-after all, she cared so much about Henry, and she must have wanted to go with him.

Maybe this lunch was a chance to clear the air.

"Alright, I'll go ask her."

He returned to the bedroom. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Timothy stood outside the door and knocked.

"When you're done, come out. We're having lunch together," he announced, then left.

Jessica dried herself off, her mind numb. She wouldn't answer him-she couldn't. He never gave her a choice anyway. Whenever Timothy wanted something, he just told her; her wishes didn't matter.

She dressed carefully and stepped out into the living room.

Sheila greeted her with a gentle wave and a warm, practiced smile. "Jessica." Her voice was soft, inviting.

Jessica's face stayed blank, but she couldn't help noticing the brooch pinned to Sheila's blouse-the same silver swan.

Sheila ignored Jessica's coldness, turning instead to Timothy. "She's here. Let's go down for lunch."

Timothy and Sheila both stood, ready to leave together.

As Timothy walked past, Jessica reached out and tugged on his sleeve. She couldn't speak, but it was the only way she could make him stop.