Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 24

"She's my aunt. Anyone who dares to print a single lie-be ready to disappear from Riverside City."

His voice was cold and commanding, every word laced with warning.

No one dared question him.

The reporters all knew exactly what Timothy's words meant.

His intimidating presence parted the crowd; journalists scrambled to clear a path.

Jessica stared at the large screen overhead, watching as her husband shielded Sheila.

Aunt.

What a perfectly convenient excuse.

The photographers knew what they were doing, too. They managed to capture Timothy, their son, and Sheila in a way that made them look every bit the perfect family.

Like a genuine family of three.

Herbert noticed Jessica's gaze fixed on the screen. "Little Mute?" he called.

Jessica turned her head, her eyes tinged with a faint, rosy hue.

Herbert glanced again at the screen. "You know Timothy?"

Timothy's reputation clearly preceded him-Herbert had spent years abroad, yet even he knew the name.

and

told you he's my

pupils widened

like a question, he could almost be

always quiet, reserved, never one for lies or jokes-certainly not about something

married, with a son. But the wife was a mystery-never seen, never

had it Timothy

coming back home, he'd sent people

to his hometown, hoping for a

to

And she'd married.

Married Timothy.

tightened in his suit

gave an awkward smile and signed

would never

he did, it would

one knew she was Timothy's

she told the world, who

the marriage certificate, Timothy had insisted-no,

marriage would remain a

allowed to reveal

at Jessica now, it was clear her marriage was in

to touch on

Didn't you say you'd buy me dinner? I'm starving. Let's not waste

politely asked if he'd eaten. When he said no, she'd

away her thoughts, and the two of them headed for