Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 458

Chapter 458

Sheila opened the door, surprised to find Timothy standing there.

"Timothy, come in. Have a seat."

She reached out, ready to steady him, but Timothy sidestepped her hand. "I can walk on my own."

His sudden coldness stung in a way Sheila couldn't quite put into words. Still, she swallowed her discomfort.

"I'll make you some coffee."

"No need. I won't be staying long."

Sheila felt even more at a loss. What was he here for, then?

Timothy settled into the living room armchair. "Sit down."

Uneasy, Sheila perched on the edge of the couch.

Looking directly at her, Timothy got right to the point. "I just stopped by Ines's studio. From her, I learned that the reason she gave that painting, The Grand Canal, Venice, to Henry, was because she saw Jessy's style in one of Henry's papercut illustrations. So, that painting can't stay with you. I'm here to take it back."

Sheila stared at him, stunned.

This was the first time he'd ever asked to take back something he'd given her.

He really was starting to care more about Jessica.

But she didn't argue. "I see. Since it's hard for you to get around, I'll have someone bring it to you later."

you his mother in public-please correct him

though

to keep her

own words and tried to explain. "I don't want our family to fall apart. I used to think she could understand our relationship, but I've realized recently that she can't. I hope you won't be offended about me taking the painting

small, strained smile. "Timothy, it's nothing. Why would

not getting any younger. I hope you'll consider getting married

froze, her

you realize

"I do."

you refuse to accept me, then I'm your aunt—and as your elder, what right do

if he refused her now, she

was with the Howards. She was Sandra and Abell's daughter,

gaze lingered on her,

Sheila had ever

displeasure, she said quietly, "Sorry. We grew up together, almost as equals, so I

you really not remember why I gave up back then? For seven years, I kept my distance, never crossing the line, and you know exactly

ways to solve our problem, to bridge what separated us.

voice broke at the

from seven years ago—-the one who'd defied his family for her, determined to marry her,

how much I love you. You promised me, even if we got married, we'd keep it secret-that was your

"That wasn't love."

Sheila felt herself unraveling.

been all she'd clung to, all these years. She'd waited for him-waited until she was thirty, still a virgin, never even dated, never experienced the warmth of

turn away

"Then what was it?"

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