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,

he was asking Jessica

do you want?" Jessica's signing was calm,

wanted to see just how far Timothy would

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

for family to come together,

got three proposals,"

lips curled into a barely-there, mocking

of him-three options, no

than hers. You have me. You don't need to work hard to

character. Sheila's talent isn't lacking, but if you agree, I can talk to Mr. Smith and have you guide her let the two of you work on the

I'll finance a new animated film for Sheila, something tailored entirely to her own

the three options, speaking slowly and deliberately. "So what

him for a

his brow furrowed in

been reasonable, offering

laughter carried

again. "Why are you