Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"We've just arrived at the restaurant. Are you free to join us?"

Ines had been longing to see Jessica. She answered immediately, "Of course. Just send me the address."

"I'll text it to you right now."

Ines hung up, feeling a surge of relief.

Thank goodness.

Last time, she'd sent Jessica three or four long messages, only to get a single reply: *I'm sorry, Professor.*

After that, Ines hadn't pushed any further.

But she still hoped for a chance to talk to Jessica face to face.

Seven years of marriage, and their son was already six.

Jessica had married Timothy. With Timothy's financial standing, there was really

no need for her to be a stay-at-home mom if she didn't want to be.

On her last visit to The Gilded Whisper Estates, Ines saw it for herself-staff everywhere, the house immaculate.

Jessica's past was still a mystery to Timothy.

herself kept it

Timothy didn't see the need

was still room

of them present tonight, it was the perfect

tried to persuade Jessica

with money and status no longer issues,

could appeal to

confided that her grandmother was her first

passed away, her grandmother had asked Jessica to carry on

Ines thought, that was the

out of the country, Ines still hadn't found another animator who could create

talent-her creative spark-was nearly impossible to

She needed Jessica.

back home had so much room to grow. They desperately needed artists who could blend Eastern flair

want

drive, Ines was buzzing with

because this might determine whether Sheila could become her student,

server brought over the tea and handed them the

arm over the back

to her with his other hand as he flipped it

was low

way he leaned in, it was as if he was