Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 448

Timothy brought Henry home.

As they stepped inside, Timothy walked ahead, while Henry trailed behind, his head hanging low.

When they reached the living room, Timothy sank onto the couch, and Henry stood in front of him, fidgeting nervously.

"Kneel," Timothy said sternly.

Most of the time, Timothy was gentle with Henry, rarely losing his temper. But when it came to discipline, he was unwaveringly strict.

Sensing his father's anger, Henry's fear got the better of him. With a soft thud, he dropped to his knees on the hard floor, looking utterly miserable.

Timothy's heart twisted at the sight of his son's distress. No matter how he tried to steel himself, it hurt to see Henry like this. After all, he wasn't blameless in the matter.

He should have stepped in the very first time Henry asked for Sheila to come with him to the arts competition. Over the past seven years of marriage, Timothy had never let Jessica meet outsiders or taken her to public events. Part of that was because, long ago, he'd promised Sheila that if he ever married, he wouldn't make his wife public-back then, he'd had no idea who that wife would be.

But it was also because Jessica was mute. If people found out he'd married a mute woman, the difference in their status, combined with her disability, would only bring her more scrutiny and pain. Most would say she was unworthy of him.

He didn't want that for her, so he'd kept their marriage private. Their life together was their own business; there was no need for the world to intrude.

Jessica, for her part, had always been quiet and obedient. Their marriage seemed normal enough—at least, so Timothy thought. He never imagined things would unravel like this.

Sallie burst into the room. Spotting Henry kneeling on the floor, she crossed the distance

The floor's hard, and Henry's still growing. What if he hurts his knees? How

are you doing here?" Timothy

Sallie's

to. If I hadn't shown up, I

him down!"

fault, but Henry had made mistakes too. This wasn't something he

want him to keep kneeling?" Sallie was indignant. "He's only six! What could he have possibly

glared at Henry, his tone uncompromising.

Sallie held him tight,

as I'm here, you're not laying a finger on him," she declared. Timothy's frustration boiled over. "Do

voice taut with anger. "He's ashamed of his own mother because she can't speak At

Haven't you yourself been ashamed of Jessica for being mute? You've been married seven years and never once introduced her to anyone. So why shouldn't Henry feel the same? He calls Sheila his mom whose

was nearly speechless with anger. "You have no idea what you're talking

don't I?" Sallie

you barely acknowledged Jessica. No wedding, no photos, never invited her anywhere. But she still took care of you, kept the house running. Then

before. It's all

couldn't bear to see Henry punished, so she shifted

his lips

fault, but

stiffly. "It's