Goodbye, Mr. Regret

This one's just perfect-small, delicate, and beautifully crafted.

Once the frame was finished and Jessica had it in hand, she felt a swell of satisfaction. She walked over to a nearby gift shop and asked them to wrap it up nicely.

While she waited for the clerk to finish, her phone buzzed. Carlisle had messaged her.

Jessy, our film's finally been approved by the board.

That's amazing! Congratulations!

With the green light, the film could finally be released. It was about time to kick off the promotions.

Mr. Zimmerman wants to start the campaign tomorrow-Christmas Eve. The preview screening is set for New Year's Day. Jessy, everything's gone so smoothly. I can't thank you enough.

No need to thank me. It's your team's talent that made things move along so well. Honestly, we didn't have the budget for early promotions, but I trust Vince will make sure everything is in place now. With the movie about to premiere, a strong campaign will give us the momentum we need.

Yes, I really hope opening night goes well. I'd hate to let down all your hard work. Jessica wanted the film to succeed, of course. But the real reason she'd helped them in the first place was to encourage them to chase their dreams.

She remembered all too well how it felt to give up on her own. She never wanted them to feel that same regret.

She typed out a message:

Carlisle, don't put so much pressure on yourself. This is only your first film. If things don't go as planned, we'll make a second, and then a third. I'm supporting you because I believe in your dream-not because I expect a return, okay?

She knew from experience how crushing high hopes could be when reality didn't measure up. Success often required luck—a perfect mix of timing, opportunity, and people. If the film didn't do as well as hoped, she didn't want Carlisle's team to lose heart.

Thank you. No matter what happens, we won't give up.

ease

our all without getting greedy or anxious. The rest,

like to see the final

see it. Without her, there wouldn't even be a team, let alone a

to go in with anticipation. I'll get to

Right.

to me-I'll wait for the trailer tomorrow, and for the preview screening. I want to experience it in

the conversation over, Jessica found herself in

a good direction. For someone who'd spent years under Timothy's control, it was the first real glimmer of hope she'd seen in a

ready. Jessica took the package and stepped into

papers were finalized, Vince would get to see his sister again. After that, nothing would

reserved a table at The Silverthread Eatery

be late tonight. The three people she'd

hoped to book

they'd all

settled for a table

which,

floor-to-ceiling windows and

Pet

stil

arrived, followed quickly by Herbert

knew Jessica had regained her voice, but Ines didn't. As Jessica greeted her mentor, she called

as she

Jessica nodded.

absolutely wonderful! Did