Goodbye, Mr. Regret

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."

Henry calling you his mother in public-please correct him in the future. All this confusion about family roles has to stop. Jessy cares about it

though everything had changed

herself to keep her composure.

his 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

gave a small, strained smile. "Timothy, it's

Also, you're not getting any younger. I hope

her smile

realize what

"I do."

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

marry her, they were equals. But if he refused

Sandra and Abell's daughter, Timothy's

gaze lingered on her,

the first time Sheila had ever used her

she said quietly, "Sorry. We grew up together, almost as equals, so I shouldn't have said that. But I can't help

gave up back then? For seven years, I kept my distance, never crossing the line, and you know

breath, fighting tears. "All these years, I've racked my brain looking for ways to solve our problem, to bridge what separated us. Why, when I finally can, do you not want me

voice broke at the

missed the Timothy from seven years ago—-the one who'd defied his

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

"That wasn't love."

Sheila felt herself unraveling.

to, all these years. She'd waited for him-waited until she was thirty, still a virgin, never even dated, never

turn

"Then what was it?"