Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"If you'd taken the time to truly understand her, wouldn't you have realized that the Grand Canal, Venice I gave your son at the comic convention was her original work? And have you ever wondered why, after seeing your son's illustration, I decided to gift you that picture in the first place? Have you ever thought about it?"

"What I never expected was that you and your son would turn around and give that piece to Sheila."

"Timothy, do you even know how much that picture is worth? It's the only completely hand-carved, relief-cut paper version of The Grand Canal, Venice in existence."

"She's never lacked the ability to make money. When I heard she only had a thousand dollars to her name, I couldn't believe it. She's the wife of the richest man in Riverside City. She's your wife, Timothy."

There was much more Ines could have said, but even this was enough to make Timothy burn with shame.

He'd actually hoped Ines would help plead his case to Jessica.

But Ines, in the end, became Jessica's advocate, trying to talk him into a divorce instead.

That Grand Canal, Venice-when Timothy first saw it, he'd assumed it was a digital print.

He'd had no idea it was entirely made by hand.

And to think she could achieve such perfection by hand.

Ines was right.

He really knew so little about her.

Timothy stayed silent, so Ines continued, "The only reason I visited your home that day was because I'd accidentally seen news of your wedding online. When I realized she'd married you, I was genuinely happy for her. I thought she'd found the right person, and that Grand Canal, Venice was finally back where it belonged. But now..."

Ines gave a bitter smile. "If I'd known how things would turn out, I should have contacted her years ago and encouraged her to pursue her career. Timothy, she gave you the best seven years of her life. If you care about her at all, please— stop trying to keep her trapped by your side. Let her go shine in the world. Please."

"If you want me to mentor Sheila, I will. I'll teach her everything I know. Just let go. Don't let the animation industry lose Jessy-a star like her."

No.

He couldn't let go.

so much just to buy himself

go now, she might

She was his wife.

She was Salome.

possibly

nothing to show

busy, and he was rarely home, but whenever he was, he tried to fulfill his duties

Jessica never complained.

front of him or Sallie. In Timothy's eyes, his father and

look like. He'd always assumed that the way he and Jessica lived was what marriage ought to

their relationship

it never occurred to him to

Jessica's

with both women's images overlapping in his mind, how could he

wrong; he had no intention of arguing

gave Ines a respectful

she

that first opportunity.

I'll take my leave now.

He turned to go.

too, calling after him, "After all I've said, you're really not

the door, but didn't look back. He strode

the driver to