Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica signed, her hands moving in graceful arcs. "I don't quite understand- what do you mean?"

"She means the idea of you making some extra money with your paper cuttings," Herbert explained. "She doesn't know you're married to Timothy. She probably thinks, since you can't speak, life must be hard for you and wants to help by introducing some business your way."

A gentle smile touched Jessica's lips as her slender fingers danced. "Mrs. Reynolds is just looking out for me. I don't mind at all."

Herbert glanced over at The Gilded Whisper Estates-an enormous mansion, easily several times the size of his family home. There was absolutely no need for Jessica to work for extra cash.

Yet Jessica showed no trace of arrogance or vanity from marrying into wealth. She still cut paper decorations for his mother and never made her status public. She remained as gentle and kind as ever, humble without being self-effacing.

Even though she couldn't speak, she was someone truly worthy of care and affection.

"Little Mute, is he good to you?" Herbert asked suddenly.

hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. But soon, she smiled and signed, "He's

way, that necklace I gave you last time-why haven't you been wearing

a pang of guilt at the mention

had broken. Timothy had thrown it to the floor that day before dragging her out to the car. She hadn't had a chance to go back and

old place-forgot to bring it with me," she signed, fibbing just a little. She planned to find some time to return and see if she could get it fixed before giving it back to Herbert. It was real diamond, far too expensive

satisfied. "Once you get it back, use it often-it'll get

Jessica nodded.

into his car, rolled the window down halfway, and

watched him drive away. In truth, Herbert had changed a lot gone

away, a flashy red Maserati pulled up

a bold red, oversized sunglasses perched on her nose. She shoved the car door open, swinging her sunglasses up onto her head,