Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 17

Timothy had grown up surrounded by elite education. His manners and bearing always set him apart from the crowd. Naturally, he held the utmost respect for a teacher as esteemed as Ines.

"Ines, I understand where you're coming from. If Sheila doesn't meet your standards for students, I won't insist. But since you care so deeply about animation and want to give back to this field, surely you wouldn't mind sharing your wisdom with younger people who share your passion."

Jessica left the gallery and paused outside, standing before a large display board advertising the traveling exhibition. She scanned the QR code with her phone, curious about the upcoming tour dates.

As she read, she overheard snippets of conversation from people leaving after her.

"I still wonder who that woman was-the one who 'married for love.' Ines mentioned her again just now while talking about the other pieces. She seemed genuinely regretful."

"Right? If I had that kind of talent, and Ines believed in me, who would care about love? I'd be all in for my career. Men can't be relied on the way money or work can."

"Exactly. If her love story turned out happy, fine, but to give up a future like that? It's just not worth it."

Jessica's lips lost all color.

Meanwhile, Timothy emerged from the lounge with Ines at his side.

Ines signaled for an assistant to carefully remove The Grand Canal, Venice from the wall.

I'll have the painting delivered to your home,"

million from his briefcase and handed

because your son's animation paper cutouts reminded me so much of my former student's style. Otherwise,

"I apologize," Timothy replied.

the check away and added, "Thank you for your generosity, Ines. I won't keep

leave, but Ines called after

Is there something

then shook her head. "No, nothing.

on Henry. But in a family like

he would one day

stood with Henry, lifted his son into his

watched them go, regret flickering in her

returned to her hotel, packed her bags, and caught a flight back to Riverside

small town without its own airport; she'd had to

sooner had she landed than her phone rang again. It was

days, Mabel had been trying to reach her. Jessica had assumed Mabel wanted to talk about Henry, so she'd ignored the calls. Now that Timothy and Henry were both in Oakwood, Mabel's call must

knowing she couldn't explain over the phone anyway, Jessica simply hailed a cab