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.

cared so much about Sheila's career,

again, he was asking Jessica to make a

then tell me what do you want?"

far Timothy would go to

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

a time for family to come together, not

got three proposals," Timothy

lips curled into a

him-three options,

need to work hard to succeed;

talent isn't lacking, but if you

finance a new animated film

slowly and deliberately. "So what do

stared at him for a long moment,

his brow furrowed in

thought he'd been reasonable, offering her

Jessica's laughter

again. "Why are you so good