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."

dial tone after the call ended, feeling the rift between her

Jessica back. Jessica had come to see her-it seemed she wasn't planning to reconcile

still clinging to hope, and Sheila wasn't worried. Jessica didn't

ever did want to get back

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

would ensure Jessica

dark; she

Sheila wasn't concerned. She could always deny it. After all these years, there was no way anyone could confront her with

speak until the afternoon, so she hadn't had a

Timothy left,

Jessica's voice came through the receiver.

was thrilled. "You're speaking so

Herbert, I can never thank

gratitude was impossible

anyone how difficult her recovery

you don't have to

like that

Your recovery was alwanet

in this direction. itoned so

MS

why

without your guidance, I wouldn't

this fast. I really

me take you out

lunch tomorrow." fo

"I'd like that."

"Then it's a date."

at her vanity, gazing at

navigate things with Herbert. She could

time she'd tried to buy him

was for the best; it didn't feel right to give a present

to make him a paper cut

not only were her paper cuttings decorative, but they