Goodbye, Mr. Regret

If she refused to give Sheila any credit, then in Sallie's eyes, Sheila was nothing at all.

As she spoke, Sallie pulled out her phone. Panic flashed across Sheila's face- she scrambled up and rushed to hide behind Timothy, her voice trembling with hurt as she pleaded, "Timothy, you were drunk. It was you... you're the one who..."

Sheila's eyes shone with unshed tears.

Years ago, Sheila was the child Sallie's grandparents had adopted. The old couple doted on her, and when they were little, Sallie and Sheila had gotten along well enough.

But as they grew older, things changed. Sheila knew perfectly well about their family connection, yet she still got tangled up with Timothy. Sallie's resentment grew with every passing year.

Sheila had spent the last seven years abroad, living a comfortable life while Timothy settled down, got married, and had a son. Everything was finally as the family wanted—until Sheila unexpectedly returned home.

Just last week, Sallie's grandfather had assured her that nothing would ever happen between Sheila and Timothy, that she had nothing to worry about.

How could she not worry, when they were practically on the verge of sleeping together?

Clutching her phone, Sallie was determined to catch Sheila running to their grandfather with complaints. Timothy, forcing himself to stand despite his weakness, remembered that he'd been the one to cross the line with Sheila and now she was catching hell for it. His voice was low and hoarse: "Put the phone away. This has nothing to do with her."

He'd been drunk, mistaking Sheila for Jessy.

Timothy pulled Sheila behind him, shielding her.

Sallie's embarrassment flared into anger. "You're still defending her?"

"Go close the window," Timothy said coldly. "Once you're done, drive me home."

He had to leave. He felt like he was coming apart at the seams.

He needed Jessy.

to close the window, Timothy fought to stay conscious, his mind foggy. "I'm sorry,"

was a young man with blood running hot; he told himself he'd only ended up in this mess because it had been too long since he'd had any

she grabbed Timothy's arm, shooting Sheila a cold,

here, dressed like that? Did

the sharp scent of liquor on Timothy. He was clearly drunk-she didn't have time to fight with Sheila

to the car and sped off toward The Gilded Whisper

Timothy hurried to the master bedroom,

was nowhere to be

arm. “You reek of alcohol. Go take a shower

"Where's Jessy?"

her to wait for

"I kicked her out!"

instantly. "Who told you to

worked so hard to get Jessica

Henry across the face-you know that? The poor kid's cheek was bright red. And she had the nerve to say

"Get out."

anger was barely

supposed to

Sallie out

see Jessy-immediately. The memory of how close he'd

how he'd almost kissed her,

stalked to the bathroom, his lips pressed into a

his skin, only