Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 14

"Timothy."

Sheila called his name softly.

Timothy turned around.

Fireworks exploded overhead, casting a bright glow across the park. Timothy glanced back toward the spot where he thought he'd seen Jessica, but she was gone.

In the flicker of light and shadow, Jessica had already slipped into the crowd.

Blinking, Timothy scanned the area, his sharp features tightening with concern as he searched for any sign of her.

Sheila noticed him looking around and glanced about as well, puzzled. "Timothy, did you spot someone you know?"

"No," he replied, his voice flat.

Just then, a street vendor approached with a basket of roses, his pitch practiced and cheerful. "Sir, these roses are fresh this evening. Roses symbolize rare beauty-why not buy one for your wife? It means she's one of a kind, and shows just how deep and sincere your feelings are."

Sheila was about to refuse, but Timothy was already reaching for his wallet. He handed the vendor a few bills and accepted a single rose.

Up above, more fireworks lit the sky. Jessica found them dazzling, almost painfully bright. The display wasn't as lovely or romantic as she'd imagined. Maybe it was romantic, but that feeling belonged to someone else.

She turned and walked away.

Timothy offered the rose to Sheila.

blushed, a smile tugging at her lips. "Timothy... isn't

said. "These vendors have it tough

for a second, but quickly returned as she accepted the rose,

fireworks show drew

for the night to end; he wanted to light some fireworks

safe area, a few vendors were

bought a generous handful and spent the evening at the lakeside with Henry and Sheila, helping

Jessica left the old town, pausing outside to close her eyes

come to Oakwood to clear her head-and to sneak a peek at the comic

No such luck.

seemed she couldn't

tomorrow, then leave town

hotel, Jessica packed her things, checked out, and booked a

The next morning.

at the Oakwood Exhibition

she'd gone to some lengths to disguise herself: sunhat, sunglasses, mask-her

for

inside;

an excited voice rang out

"Ines is here!"

ducked behind

saw Ines enter, trailed by several people. Two assistants carried a large, framed artwork draped in