Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Ines was the animation director at Riverside Media Institute, and Jessica was one of the school's alumni.

That comic-style version of The Grand Canal, Venice...

Timothy clenched his fist. His silent little wife really was something-she'd managed to keep this from him for seven whole years!

No wonder Ines said that deciding whether to take Sheila on as a student had something to do with Jessica.

Timothy spoke up, his tone even, "Ines, did you know Jessica was my wife all along?"

"Not for very long, actually," Ines replied. "The Lawson Group made your marriage certificate public— I just happened to see it online. That's when I realized Jessica had married you. The last time I visited your house, it was because I wanted to surprise her. Unfortunately, she wasn't home. I was a bit disappointed."

Ines glanced sideways at Jessica, her eyes full of admiration.

Jessica happened to meet her gaze, a wave of guilt welling up inside her.

Back when she chose to give up her career, her mentor had been heartbroken.

Not long ago, Ines had reached out again, thinking that after seven years of marriage Jessica's life would have settled down. She offered Jessica another opportunity-but Jessica had turned her down once more.

that if they ever met

But she wasn't.

nothing but

his fingertips

Ines visited, he'd told Jessica in advance, and she'd definitely been home—yet somehow, she'd hidden herself away. After

Ines and

realized you'd married President Lawson, I understood why you decided to step away from your career.

his back a little, the words pleasing

stirred up in him seemed to melt away. But

was on the verge of collapse, she'd be worried and upset

blurted out, "Ines, you can read sign

"Yes. Back when I wanted to bring Jessica on board, I learned sign language specifically so we could communicate

balled her hand

was clear Ines had always

take her on as a student,