Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica lifted her gaze to meet Timothy's eyes.

Timothy, for his part, seemed completely unfazed-his expression was as calm and composed as ever.

On the other end of the line, Ines was still speaking. "Anyway, I talked to Mr. Smith, and he's hoping you'll take on the role in his new film. Since Timothy is there too, why don't you both discuss it and let Mr. Smith know what you decide?"

Timothy saw no need for Jessica to say anything further-Ines had laid everything out clearly.

He replied for Jessica, "Alright. We'll get back to you as soon as possible."

"Great. It's getting late, so I'll let you go."

With that, Ines hung up.

A heavy silence settled between them before Timothy finally spoke. "Ines told me tonight that you've been preparing seriously for this-wanting to take on the character in Mr. Smith's new movie."

Jessica shot Timothy a cold, measured look, her hands moving in practiced sign language. "So you came all the way out here tonight just to talk this over with me?"

"More or less," Timothy admitted without hesitation.

He didn't realize that his honesty was like a knife, digging deep into Jessica's heart.

about Sheila's career, her

was asking Jessica to make a

me what do you want?" Jessica's signing

see just how far Timothy would go to negotiate on Sheila's

about Sheila's role. The other part-he was

time for family to come together, not

got three

into a

of him-three options,

have me. You don't need to work hard to succeed; whether you choose to work or not, you'll

isn't lacking, but if you agree, I can talk

you take the role, and I'll finance a new animated

options, speaking slowly and deliberately. "So what do

for a long moment, then suddenly

handsome features froze, his brow furrowed in confusion as

he'd been reasonable, offering her

laughter carried a

"Why are you