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."

wedding ring and

her except her small purse

curb, she waited for

car pulled up beside her. The window rolled down

Little Mute, where

"Why

through. Hop in-wherever you're going,

got out and opened the passenger door. Jessica hesitated, then

away, Herbert glanced over. "So, Little Mute, you still haven't told me where you want to

so she could rush back to the hospital for Henry, afraid he'd go hungry. She'd been running

almost passed out, and then everything

as if all her energy had

weakly as she

noticed how pale and exhausted she looked. He didn't feel right about letting her

free today anyway. Let me drive you

or three hour drive,"

grinned. "What, don't trust my

pressed her lips together and replied, "It's not that. I just don't

to see any family or friends. This is the perfect excuse to visit them. So really,

nodded silently,