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."

ended, feeling

to see her-it seemed she wasn't planning

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

want to get back together with

the

would ensure Jessica would

Jessica was completely in the dark; she clearly remembered nothing

deny it. After all these years, there was

to speak until the afternoon, so she hadn't

evening, after Timothy

and Jessica's voice came through the receiver.

thrilled. "You're speaking

Herbert, I can never thank you enough. You've

was impossible to

recovery was. Her grandmother had worried herself sick

you don't have to thank

like that

Your recovery was alwanet

direction.

MS

why

she replied, "but without your

better this fast.

take you

lunch tomorrow." fo

"I'd like that."

"Then it's a date."

sat at her vanity, gazing at the voice-emitting necklace Timothy had returned

things with Herbert. She could ignore

tried to buy him a gift, Sallie

it didn't feel right to give a present like that

decided to make him a

not only were her paper cuttings decorative, but