Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sandra quickly jumped to her feet, grabbing Abell's arm with excitement. "This must be it—they're really here! Sallie, Sheila, come with me to greet them."

This called for a bit of ceremony.

Normally, based on her usual attitude, Sallie wouldn't bother welcoming Jessica at all. But today, she was determined to go-if only to make sure Sheila understood that Timothy was a married man, and that she'd better give up any hope she was harboring.

The gates to the estate swung open.

Vince appeared, carrying a beautifully framed picture, with Jessica standing quietly at his side.

Timothy lingered at the back of the group, watching Jessica from a distance.

There was a gentle serenity about her, a quiet grace that seemed to soften the very air around her.

The moment Sandra and Abell laid eyes on Jessica, they were more than pleased.

So what if she didn't speak? She was beautiful, gentle, and composed-just the kind of woman who suited Timothy. Someone too loud or high-spirited would have felt out of place beside him.

smile. "Vince, this must be Jessy,

Vince nodded.

"I'm Timothy's grandmother. Come on in, dear, let's not

with discomfort. It felt as though something that should have been hers was being taken away, and she could

taken her seat when Sandra produced a pearl

divorced, she hadn't wanted to accept Sandra's gift. But she had just arrived-if she

would

warmth, maybe the seven years of silence hadn't

years, and it was their first time meeting her. Jessica wasn't the type to embarrass her elders or reject their

a smiling face. Over the years, Jessica had met all kinds of people. Compared to most, Sandra and Abell were

Jessica's wrist, beaming. "It looks

quickly stepped forward with the framed picture. "Abell, Sandra, this is a

revealing a delicate and striking

moment, Timothy's eyes brightened with a