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."

and set it

with her except her small purse as

she waited for a

her. The window

Mute, where you

"Why are you

passing through. Hop in-wherever you're going, I'll

opened the passenger door. Jessica hesitated, then

"So, Little Mute, you still haven't told

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

her so angry she'd almost passed out, and then

energy had been drained, leaving

fluttered weakly

exhausted she looked. He didn't feel

Let

or three hour drive,"

don't trust

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

I need to do. Last time I visited home, I hardly had time to see any family or friends. This

silently,