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.

because Jessica herself

Timothy didn't see the need for Jessica

believed there was still

present tonight, it was the perfect

tried to persuade Jessica from a career or financial

man, with money and status no longer issues, those arguments meant

Ines could appeal

once confided that her

passed away, her grandmother had asked Jessica

that was

travels in and out of the country, Ines still hadn't found another animator who could create work that instantly

nearly

She needed Jessica.

so much room to grow. They desperately needed artists who

want to lose

Ines was

Ines was coming, and because this might determine whether Sheila could become her

server brought over the tea and handed

one arm over the back of

her with his other hand

His voice was low and gentle, with

leaned in, it was as if he was sheltering Jessica in the curve