Goodbye, Mr. Regret

It wasn't until everyone started talking about it that he finally realized Jessica hadn't said a single word since she'd arrived.

Vince ignored the questions tossed his way and instead shielded Jessica, gesturing politely. "This way."

Jessica couldn't care less that people called her mute.

Because she was, in fact, mute.

What really bothered her was Timothy's intention to announce their relationship publicly-she wanted nothing more than to slip away unnoticed.

But Timothy caught her by the wrist, pulling her close and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. His dark eyes softened as he looked at her, his voice gentle and warm. "Do you need to use the restroom?"

Jessica shot Vince a pleading glance, as if silently asking for help.

Everyone stared, dumbfounded by the scene.

Vince just smiled. "Timothy, you go ahead. I'll show her the way."

Timothy's expression darkened as he looked at Vince. "No need. She's my wife-l know where the restroom is. I'll take her."

kept his arm around Jessica and steered her out of the room, ignoring her

the

she's

believe Timothy married

he's willing to marry someone

each harbored

then broke into a smile. "Honestly, I think it's great. Jessica's got both beauty and brains-she's

Jessica was Alfreda's only granddaughter, and marrying into the Zimmerman family would guarantee she'd be cared for all her life—a way for Larkin to repay

had married Timothy and become Mrs. Lawson, Larkin felt there was nothing

could she possibly be good enough for

believe the Lawson family agreed to

mute. That's hardly a good match for Timothy. Larkin, why are you so biased in

mute? She's got this challenge and still hasn't given up on herself. She's an incredible paper artist-so resilient. Why shouldn't she be with Timothy? Timothy grew up with every advantage, but Jessica is just an ordinary girl who's managed to make a name for herself in traditional arts. That's even more impressive. She's

Larkin felt obliged to watch out for

daughter-in-law, he'd make her his goddaughter instead, give her