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."noveldrama

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.

He cared so much about Sheila's career, her future.

And now, once again, he was asking Jessica to make a sacrifice.

"Alright, then tell me what do you want?" Jessica's signing was calm, her movements steady.

She wanted to see just how far Timothy would go to negotiate on Sheila's behalf.

Part of him was here to talk about Sheila's role. The other part-he was here to bring Jessica home for the holidays.

It was a time for family to come together, not stay apart.

"I've got three proposals," Timothy said.

Jessica's lips curled into a barely-there, mocking smile.

How thoughtful of him-three options, no less.

"First, your situation is better than hers. You have me. You don't need to work hard to succeed; whether you choose to work or not, you'll be fine."

"Second, for reasons I don't quite understand, both Ines and Mr. Smith are convinced you're the perfect fit for this 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 project together."

"Third, you take the role, and I'll finance a new animated film for Sheila, something tailored entirely to her own style."

Timothy laid out the three options, speaking slowly and deliberately. "So what do you choose?"

Jessica stared at him for a long moment, then suddenly laughed.

Timothy's handsome features froze, his brow furrowed in confusion as he studied her.

He thought he'd been reasonable, offering her choices.

But Jessica's laughter carried a chill.

She raised her hands again. "Why are you so good to Sheila?"

"She's my aunt. She grew up with me," he replied.

For much of his life, Sheila had always been by his side.

Jessica lowered her gaze, a hint of sardonic amusement lingering at the corner of her mouth.

Of course. He was the consummate businessman-calm, clever, in control. Even when he lied, he did it so smoothly, not a hint of guilt showing on his face.

If she hadn't seen that piece of paper scrawled with Sheila's name over and over, if she hadn't realized just how much he loved Sheila, she might have believed him.

She might have kept playing her part as the loyal wife, working alongside him, treating Sheila as nothing more than his aunt, tirelessly paving the way for Sheila's "brilliant" career.

Thank God she'd found that note.

Otherwise, she'd have lived out her days as nothing but a joke.

For all his intelligence and cunning, Timothy became blind and foolish when it came to Sheila.

He had no idea how deeply his "proposals" wounded her.

After all, what woman would willingly stand by her husband's side-no, not just for an aunt, but for a mistress-helping pave the way for another woman's success?