Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"You take care of it."

Mabel was momentarily caught off guard.

The daily meals at the house were always prepared by Mrs. Carter herself; all the chefs had been let go long ago.

Whenever there were guests, Mrs. Carter would handle the menu herself before heading out, leaving everything in perfect order.

But Mr. Carter's guests were people of considerable stature, and Mrs. Carter's homey, comforting dishes hardly seemed grand enough for such occasions.

"Ma'am, I'm not sure I can manage this..." Mabel said anxiously.

Jessica understood her worry, so she scribbled a note: "Don't worry. You can order something from the hotel. I'll cover the expense."

Timothy had given her a credit card-every month on the first, funds would be transferred in right on time.

It was meant for all household expenses at The Gilded Whisper Estates, including the staff's salaries.

Timothy had impeccable taste and spared no expense when it came to the home. The allowance he provided was always more than enough.

He certainly wasn't short on money, but Jessica never spent a penny more than she had to. Every transaction was meticulously recorded in her ledger.

She worked hard to fulfill her responsibilities, hoping he'd notice that she'd never been after his money, his status, or his name.

But what did it matter?

she gave, he never seemed to see

was fixed on her laptop, indifferent to the news of incoming guests. Not daring to say more,

such things with joy, running the household with warmth

a gracious,

Now that Mrs. Carter no longer wanted to be

complain-it was her job, after all. But she couldn't help worrying about the distance growing between Mr. and Mrs. Carter. This couldn't be

divorce agreement on

for Timothy to return. Tonight, they needed to talk about

***

Night fell.

long drive, headlights slicing through

Tonight, he'd invited Ines.

back from a meeting just for

used

and little projects at the kitchen

she'd surprised him by mentioning she'd like

work was, in large

to hear

visit gave him the perfect chance to discuss

out of the car, she gazed at