Goodbye, Mr. Regret

He couldn't afford to back himself into a corner.

So he stepped aside and let her pass.

Jessica swept into the room, her heels clicking against the hardwood. With a sharp bang, she slammed the door shut behind her.

A wave of helplessness washed over Timothy.

He remembered how easily she'd agreed to marry him all those years ago. Back then, winning her hand had been effortless. She'd always been so quiet, so undemanding-until she lost her temper. When she did, coaxing her back was nearly impossible.

Ever since she started this latest argument, he hadn't managed to comfort her, not even once.

The only time she'd softened was on her birthday, and even then, it lasted just a couple of days before she stormed out again.

Frustrated and restless, Timothy left The Gilded Whisper Estates and got into his car. He pulled out his phone and called Yates Bryant.

"Want to get a drink?" Yates chuckled. "Are you out of your mind? It's not dinner, it's not even evening-it's the middle of the afternoon. Shouldn't we be having tea, not whiskey?"

"I need a drink," Timothy replied.

"Well, I don't," Yates said flatly. "Not in the mood."

"I'm in a lousy mood. Can't you keep me company, just this once?"

Something in Timothy's voice made it clear he was at a low point.

Yates sighed. "Fine, fine. Since you're about to get dumped, I'll do you a favor and join you."

"Anywhere you want. My treat.”

"How about The Velvet Ivy? I'm nearby."

Timothy instructed his driver to head to The Velvet Ivy. The place was across town, so it took nearly half an hour to get there. As they neared the entrance, Timothy sent Yates a quick text.

Yates replied that he was already waiting in a private lounge.

The Velvet Ivy, Timothy stepped out-and

the owner was

his phone and

you to check a license plate for me," Timothy

time, Jessica was messaging Vince, asking him

car.

the Bentley once more, Timothy ended the call and finally headed

private suite.

the surgery. Shouldn't be much longer

weeks

what's got you

with a wry smile.

and honestly, I can't win an argument with

wasn't just that—she actually had a point, and

can talk? She's not

she was a kid.

find a doctor who could help her?"

Timothy's face clouded. "No."

on her

"Yeah," Timothy said quietly.

sure you should be drinking? Maybe we should just have

have a little.

"You're something else, you know that? She

to help me forget my troubles.

to sugarcoat things and make you feel better. There are plenty of people who'll

against Timothy's and

got perspective. Tell me, what

up and down. "You want

"Of

yourself in her shoes. If you were her, would

situation were reversed-if she took Herbert out and someone mistook her for Henry's mother, and she didn't