Goodbye, Mr. Regret

She was already one of the top talents in her field.

If Jessica returned to the scene now, and with Ines paving the way and mentoring her... in the future-

No. She couldn't let herself lose.

Timothy's heart was slipping further and further away, stolen by Jessica.

Her hard-won career-she couldn't let Jessica beat her again.

Timothy had practically dragged Jessica back to his room, pressing her against the door as he locked it behind them.

"You still haven't answered my question," he said, his voice low.

He was so close, she could feel his breath on her cheek.

She shoved him away, annoyance flashing in her eyes as she signed furiously, *"And what if I do? When have you ever respected my choices?"*

Jessica's expression was full of stubborn defiance.

huh? All that meekness before it was just an act? You kept so much from me. Was it supposed

moved in closer, eyes narrowing. "Tell

want to hear from anyone else. He wanted to hear it

Jessica felt all her words dry up. What could she possibly want? Everything she had ever done was out of love

what had he given

enough for him. Even her own son, after nine months of carrying him, was beginning to look down

love she'd hoped for. Instead, she'd ended up

the chance. And maybe that was just as well. Even if

dying. There was nothing left she wanted to

Ines to take Sheila on as her apprentice. Don't worry, I won't stand in their way. I'll tell Ines I have no plans

were dull, her

tightness in his chest, something heavy and

and Jessica spoke different languages; every time he tried to

work?" he asked,

Jessica's mood had been off-maybe she'd just been cooped up at home too long. She was gifted, and Ines saw her potential. Timothy had been in the dark, but now that he knew, he wondered if letting her work again

was living with a disability; she needed to