Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"We've just arrived at the restaurant. Are you free to join us?"

Ines had been longing to see Jessica. She answered immediately, "Of course. Just send me the address."

"I'll text it to you right now."

Ines hung up, feeling a surge of relief.

Thank goodness.

Last time, she'd sent Jessica three or four long messages, only to get a single reply: *I'm sorry, Professor.*

After that, Ines hadn't pushed any further.

But she still hoped for a chance to talk to Jessica face to face.

Seven years of marriage, and their son was already six.

Jessica had married Timothy. With Timothy's financial standing, there was really

no need for her to be a stay-at-home mom if she didn't want to be.

On her last visit to The Gilded Whisper Estates, Ines saw it for herself-staff everywhere, the house immaculate.

Jessica's past was still a mystery to Timothy.

Partly because Jessica herself kept it hidden.

Partly because Timothy didn't see the need for Jessica to work.

Ines believed there was still room for conversation.

With both of them present tonight, it was the perfect opportunity.

A few years ago, Ines might have tried to persuade Jessica from a career or financial perspective.

But now, as the wife of a wealthy man, with money and status no longer issues, those arguments meant little to Jessica.

Instead, Ines could appeal to her passions.noveldrama

Jessica had once confided that her grandmother was her first mentor.

Before she passed away, her grandmother had asked Jessica to carry on her love for paper art.

Maybe, Ines thought, that was the way to reach her.

After all her travels in and out of the country, Ines still hadn't found another animator who could create work that instantly captivated her.

Jessica's talent-her creative spark-was nearly impossible to find elsewhere.

She needed Jessica.

Animation back home had so much room to grow. They desperately needed artists who could blend Eastern flair with international appeal.

She didn't want to lose Jessica.

The entire drive, Ines was buzzing with anticipation.

Because Ines was coming, and because this might determine whether Sheila could become her student, Timothy's attitude toward Jessica had softened considerably.

A server brought over the tea and handed them the menus.

Jessica sat beside Timothy. He draped one arm over the back of her chair, holding

the menu close to her with his other hand as he flipped it open.

"See anything you'd like?" His voice was low and gentle, with that warm undertone.

The way he leaned in, it was as if he was sheltering Jessica in the curve of his

arm.

Sheila sometimes found herself confused by Timothy. She could never quite tell if he cared about Jessica or not.

If he did, he rarely acted like it. And yet, in little ways, he showed just how much she mattered to him.

Like now.

The easy intimacy between him and Jessica felt so natural, so deeply ingrained, that Sheila couldn't help but notice.

Growing up with Timothy, Sheila had never seen him get close to any other

woman.

Not even her.

Their friendship was strong, but Timothy had always kept a polite distance. Unless she was in trouble or in danger, he'd never cross that line.

She couldn't help but envy Jessica for that.

No matter how Timothy treated Jessica-cold or warm-he never seemed to mind being physically close to her.

Especially when Sheila remembered that night Jessica's lips had been bloodied. The memory still made her chest tighten.

Jessica knew that if she didn't order anything, Timothy would only get annoyed.

The sooner she sat through this dinner, the sooner it would be over.

She wanted nothing more than to leave as quickly as possible.