Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica lifted her hand. "I'm sorry, Professor."

"It's all right, it's all right. Everyone settles down eventually-men get married, women do too. There's nothing wrong with your decision. But, about what we discussed back in New York, have you thought it through?"

Ines had almost agreed to Timothy-truthfully, she hadn't found anyone more suitable.

Thankfully, there was still Jessica.

Jessica wasn't sure how to turn down the offer.

After a moment, she gestured with her hands. "Professor, have you considered Sheila?"

Jessica didn't exactly dislike Sheila. Sheila wasn't someone she cared about, so she didn't feel strongly either way.

But Sheila had gotten involved in her family, so Jessica couldn't really feel warmly toward her.

Still, she wasn't the kind of person who let personal feelings cloud her judgment.

She'd seen Sheila's animation work—her technique and skills were excellent, and her creativity bold, even international in style.

She was still young, yet had already won several awards abroad.

Jessica understood what her professor wanted. If Sheila became her student, she could bring those international influences to the program.

And... Timothy would definitely be willing to throw his full support behind her.

For Ines, it would be an excellent choice.

If the professor chose Jessica instead, she'd need time to practice and get back up to speed.

Ines took a small sip of coffee, a gentle smile on her lips. "I did consider her, but I have more faith in you, Jessica. Your husband's successful, your son's already in elementary school-you're in a place where you can finally focus on your own career. No matter how good a marriage is, a woman with her own career lives a far richer life."

Jessica knew Ines had a point.

She'd married Timothy and never worked a single day.

Everything she used, everything she ate, was provided by Timothy.

He'd even started to believe that if she ever left him, she wouldn't know how to survive on her own.

Suddenly, Ines's phone rang. She glanced at Jessica. "Sorry, I need to take this." Ines answered, her face lighting up at first, but a moment later, her smile faded and her expression grew tight.

"All right, I understand. I'll be there right away."

She hung up and turned to Jessica. "Something urgent has come up. I need to go. Once you've made your decision, contact me as soon as possible."

Jessica stood to walk Ines out.

Ines looked genuinely anxious, as if something big had just happened.

Jessica felt a twinge of worry, but Ines was clearly in a rush-she didn't want to hold her up.

She'd ask about it later.noveldrama

Jessica turned toward the station to buy her ticket.

She thought, this time, maybe she'd be able to stay longer at home. Perhaps long enough to fade away quietly.

Just then, her phone rang.

It was Latonia.

It rang for a while before going to voicemail.

Seconds later, a message popped up.

Jessica, where are you? I need to see you-it's urgent.

Jessica replied quickly.

Mrs. Reynolds, what's happened?

Send me your location-I'll have someone pick you up. We need to talk in person, right away!

Jessica's heart started to race.

She sent her location to Latonia.

While she waited, she suddenly remembered on the day she'd returned from

New York, Herbert had called her, but Timothy had answered instead.

She still hadn't had a chance to call Herbert back.

Timothy had been furious that day, saying Herbert was trying to steal her right under his nose.

Could it be...

Jessica frowned, worry knitting her brow.

Latonia sent a driver, who brought Jessica to a hotel.

As soon as Jessica stepped inside, Latonia hurried over, looking utterly exhausted. She rushed to Jessica's side, grabbed her hand, and said anxiously-