Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Her darling son was now siding with outsiders to deceive her...

And yet, just a sliver of kindness from Timothy was enough to make her doubt everything she'd believed.

She even caught herself hoping to hear his explanation, longing for him to make it all clear.

But what kind of explanation did she expect, really? He'd taken Sheila on a business trip and they were staying together. What was there left to explain?

She felt utterly useless.

A single gentle word from Timothy, and she crumbled.

If Timothy truly cared about her, why had it taken him seven years to remember her birthday?

Love really was a master illusionist, blinding people to the truth.

Jessica picked up her phone, left the bedroom, and handed it back to Mabel.

Mabel noticed how pale Jessica looked. She wanted to ask if there had been a fight with Mr. Smith, but didn't dare press further. Ever since Sheila had appeared in their lives, the whole house felt tense and on edge.

Jessica typed a message on her phone.

"Mabel, I'm craving those crystal dumplings from Velvet Fork. I'm heading out for a bit."

"Please be safe, ma'am."

off her wedding ring and set it gently

with her except her small purse as she stepped

she waited for

The

Mute, where you

"Why are

Hop in-wherever you're going, I'll

out and opened the passenger door. Jessica hesitated, then slid into

the car pulled away, Herbert glanced over. "So, Little Mute, you still haven't told me where you

signing again, "Take me to the train station. I want to go home." That morning, she'd skipped breakfast so she could rush back to the hospital for Henry, afraid

almost passed out, and then

if all her energy had been drained,

fluttered weakly as

exhausted she looked. He didn't feel

free today anyway. Let me

or three hour drive,"

"What, don't trust

her lips together and replied, "It's not that. I just don't want to take up

to the country. There's nothing urgent I need to do. Last time I visited home, I hardly had time to see any family or friends. This is the perfect excuse to visit them. So really, I'm not just driving you out of my

silently, letting