Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"She can talk now. I'd like you to come over and help her with her illness."

Timothy spoke calmly, making his intentions clear.

Herbert let out a cold laugh. "I've been treating her all this time—she's almost cured. So what's with the act? You think just because you're asking me to help her now, it somehow makes up for all the pain you've caused her? That's wishful thinking."

Timothy's voice remained even. "Instead of sneaking around to help her, why not do it openly, with my permission?"

Jessica had told him she couldn't leave for at least a month. She hadn't gone into details, but Herbert knew there must be a good reason.

He didn't want to agree to Timothy's proposal, but in truth, it was the best option right now.

Face-to-face treatment always worked better. The fact that she could speak again was a huge step forward.

If Timothy was reaching out to arrange her treatment, then Jessica must have already returned home.

Timothy was a master at manipulating people's emotions.

Even knowing this, Herbert finally agreed.

Hearing Jessica speak again had always been her dream—and his. He felt responsible to see it through to the end.

After the call ended, Timothy didn't disturb Jessica.

Henry was still staying at the Lawson estate for now. Knowing Jessica probably

didn't want to see him, he headed to the office instead.

Around lunchtime, Mabel knocked on Jessica's bedroom door.

"Ma'am, lunch is ready."

Mabel didn't know the full story between Mr. and Mrs. Lawson, but it was clear enough that Jessica wanted to avoid her husband. Mabel quickly added, "Mr. Lawson's gone out."

She was worried Jessica might skip lunch and go hungry.

Only then did Jessica set down her mouse and open the door.

Mabel smiled. "We made all your favorites for lunch."

thumb to

then

her health these days, nor would she neglect

didn't bother her at

he arrived,

the master bedroom door

headed for

a brown envelope. He opened it and pulled out Jessica's

taken her own life when Jessica was eight; her father had disappeared without a

been seven at the time, turning

was that same year she lost her voice-probably

formed

grandmother in

a large sum. Overworked and devastated, her grandmother fell seriously ill

survived on her own skills

wasn't until Ines noticed her and offered sponsorship that

read through the file, wave after wave of guilt

her far

and giving her a comfortable

girl

never tried to truly understand

study

unlocked the

turned on

watched her sleep-she

more weight.

was

her delicate features, he

was mute, so that

mute

his mind. She hadn't had much

did no one would have ever imagined she

Kon

had once commented that Yates's personality reminded him a

a tangle of

to touch her face, but pulled his hand back, afraid