Goodbye, Mr. Regret

But most of his attention toward her had started that night at the Red House, the moment he learned she was Timothy's wife.

Was it really just that? The idea that Timothy had formed-was it because he was too sensitive, or was there something in his own demeanor, something he hadn't even noticed, that was truly out of line?

Jessica flagged down a cab on the street and headed to the coffee shop where she'd arranged to meet.

She arrived just as Ines did, and the two walked inside together.

Ines immediately began apologizing for the misunderstanding last time.

Jessica, honestly, didn't mind at all.

Neither Ines nor Mr. Smith knew there was any conflict between her and Timothy. They weren't even aware of Timothy's favoritism toward Sheila, so they simply assumed Timothy had been advocating for Jessica to land the role, and thought it was perfectly normal.

They found a booth and sat down together to wait for Mr. Smith's arrival.

Mr. Smith, wanting to avoid stepping on Timothy's toes, had arranged to meet with him before coming in.

Timothy knew Jessica would be meeting with Mr. Smith. Normally, he would have avoided seeing her, but this time he decided to come along. He was genuinely curious-what exactly made Jessica so impressive that both Ines and Mr. Smith were so eager to work with her?

It wasn't long before Mr. Smith and Timothy arrived.

marriage. A cold, tense aura clung to him as he walked in, as if the temperature in the coffee shop dropped a

Ines were seated together in a booth along one

Smith, ever the gentleman, took the seat across

down directly facing Jessica, his

a

smiled and said, "Mr. Smith, there's an old saying where I'm from-good things come to those

all these twists and turns, you finally

has been a journey, but I'm glad

sure what to say, so she simply nodded

was Timothy's wife, Mr. Smith treated her

from Riverside City as well-I know a little about your

animation design, and your

It had such

really stood

a big fan of your work. Have