Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Herbert was so thoughtful-he'd even brought an extra phone for her. The gesture left Jessica feeling uneasy, almost guilty for accepting. After all, they were just neighbors, nothing more than childhood friends. There were boundaries, especially between men and women, and the necklace he'd given her was far too valuable.

Jessica hesitated, then signed, "Herbert, thank you, but Timothy already bought me a ring that can make calls too. I really appreciate it, but I don't need another. Still, thank you so much."

She'd found a polite excuse to refuse.

Herbert paused for a moment, his eyes flickering with concern. He'd worried that Jessica might not be doing well with the Lawsons, and had been planning to ask her about it. But it turned out Timothy was attentive after all-he'd even bought her a talking ring. Maybe Herbert had been overthinking.

With a family like Timothy's, it seemed unlikely he'd marry Jessica unless he truly loved her. And even if Timothy was willing, his family probably wouldn't approve. Judging by Sallie's attitude, she certainly didn't like Jessica much.

So, it had to be Timothy's own choice. A man wouldn't treat a woman poorly if he truly wanted to marry her.

Herbert quietly let go of his questions. As for the gift, he put it away. They were adults—some things didn't need to be spelled out. It was enough that they both understood.

in for a while, but he excused himself, saying he had things to do and left. Jessica had a family of her own; he shouldn't be getting too close. His intentions had been too obvious, and she'd noticed. It wasn't right-it might even make her reluctant to see him again.

for a few hours in the car,

beside her. Groggy, she grabbed it-Mabel was calling. Mabel must have noticed she'd been gone so long and

She had no plans to go

its own. Just as Jessica

It was Mabel again.

business, he still remembers to

Allen dropped

the latest

sent a picture of the

try