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."

her wedding ring and set

take anything with her except her

she waited for a

a familiar car pulled up beside her. The window rolled down halfway and

Mute,

signed, "Why

you're going, I'll

passenger door. Jessica hesitated, then slid

away, Herbert glanced over. "So, Little Mute,

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

almost passed out, and then everything at home had

energy had been drained,

weakly as she

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

free today anyway. Let me drive

two or three hour drive,"

"What, don't trust my

her lips together and replied, "It's not that.

visited home, I hardly had time to see any family or

silently,