Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Are you really sure you can handle this?"

Henry fixed Timothy with big, round eyes, clearly skeptical.

Timothy's face flickered between pale and flushed. "Whether I can or not, I don't have a choice. You little rascal have caused me enough trouble already. I don't have time to deal with you right now-go grab your backpack. I'll drop you off first."

Mabel overheard the exchange from the hallway.

It was clear to her that Mr. Bennett was still trying to win back his wife's heart. The thought brought her a sliver of comfort.

She hoped he'd finally open his eyes and see what a good woman Mrs. Bennett was. As for Sheila, she seemed fake no matter how you looked at her. Sure, she might be great at charming the little master now, but who could say what the future would hold?

And the boy-bless him-was too naive. No matter how close he might get to another woman, nothing could ever compare to his own mother's love.

Timothy dropped Henry off at the Lawson estate. As he was leaving, he pulled out his phone and dialed Sheila.

He hadn't reached out to her in days.

She picked up.

"I found you a spot on an animated film production," Timothy said. "I've already talked to Secretary Allen about the details. He'll send you the info later. If you're interested, take it-the project has potential."

"Thanks."

"I've been busy lately, so I can't follow up myself. From now on, coordinate with Secretary Allen. If anything comes up, talk to her."

Sheila sat at her desk, computer in hand, momentarily stunned.

Was he trying to distance himself from her?

For Jessica's sake?

Even though she realized it, she managed to laugh softly and say, "Alright. Just... take care of yourself, even when you're busy."

"Yeah. I need to go."

to the dial tone after the call ended,

win Jessica back. Jessica had come to see her-it seemed she

to hope, and Sheila wasn't worried.

if Jessica ever did want to get back together with

time to let her know the truth Timothy had been hiding-that he was

ensure Jessica would

in the dark; she clearly remembered

Jessica recalled the past, Sheila wasn't concerned. She could always deny it. After all these years, there was no

able to speak until the afternoon, so she hadn't had a chance to share the good news with Herbert

Timothy left, she called

and Jessica's voice came

thrilled. "You're speaking so

can never thank you

was impossible to put

recovery was. Her grandmother had worried

don't have to

like that

Your recovery was alwanet

in this direction. itoned

MS

why

without your

better this fast.

take

lunch tomorrow." fo

"I'd like that."

"Then it's a date."

her vanity, gazing at the

didn't know how to navigate things with Herbert. She could ignore everything else for now, but she owed

to buy him a gift,

for the best; it didn't feel right

to make

received quite a bit of praise; not only were her