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."

tone after the call ended, feeling the rift between her

come to see her-it seemed she wasn't

to hope, and Sheila wasn't worried. Jessica

want to get back together with

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

alone would ensure Jessica would never forgive

the dark; she clearly remembered nothing

even if Jessica recalled the past, Sheila wasn't concerned. She could always deny it. After all these years,

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

after Timothy left, she

Jessica's voice came through

was thrilled. "You're speaking

started talking today. Herbert, I can never thank you enough.

was impossible to put

better than anyone how difficult her recovery was. Her grandmother had worried herself

don't have

like that

Your recovery was alwanet

this direction. itoned

MS

why

without your guidance, I

this fast. I really

Let me take you out

lunch tomorrow." fo

"I'd like that."

"Then it's a date."

her vanity, gazing at the voice-emitting

with Herbert. She could ignore everything else for

time she'd tried to buy him a

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

decided to make

received quite a bit of praise; not only were her paper cuttings