Goodbye, Mr. Regret

This one's just perfect-small, delicate, and beautifully crafted.noveldrama

Once the frame was finished and Jessica had it in hand, she felt a swell of satisfaction. She walked over to a nearby gift shop and asked them to wrap it up nicely.

While she waited for the clerk to finish, her phone buzzed. Carlisle had messaged her.

Jessy, our film's finally been approved by the board.

That's amazing! Congratulations!

With the green light, the film could finally be released. It was about time to kick off the promotions.

Mr. Zimmerman wants to start the campaign tomorrow-Christmas Eve. The preview screening is set for New Year's Day. Jessy, everything's gone so smoothly. I can't thank you enough.

No need to thank me. It's your team's talent that made things move along so well. Honestly, we didn't have the budget for early promotions, but I trust Vince will make sure everything is in place now. With the movie about to premiere, a strong campaign will give us the momentum we need.

Yes, I really hope opening night goes well. I'd hate to let down all your hard work. Jessica wanted the film to succeed, of course. But the real reason she'd helped them in the first place was to encourage them to chase their dreams.

She remembered all too well how it felt to give up on her own. She never wanted them to feel that same regret.

She typed out a message:

Carlisle, don't put so much pressure on yourself. This is only your first film. If things don't go as planned, we'll make a second, and then a third. I'm supporting you because I believe in your dream-not because I expect a return, okay?

She knew from experience how crushing high hopes could be when reality didn't measure up. Success often required luck—a perfect mix of timing, opportunity, and people. If the film didn't do as well as hoped, she didn't want Carlisle's team to lose heart.

Thank you. No matter what happens, we won't give up.

Jessica finally felt at ease after reading his reply.

That's exactly it. Let's give it our all without getting greedy or anxious. The rest, we leave up to fate.

Would you like to see the final cut early?

Carlisle still wanted Jessica to be the first to see it. Without her, there wouldn't even be a team, let alone a movie.

I want to go in with anticipation. I'll get to see the trailer tomorrow, right?

Right.

Then don't send it to me-I'll wait for the trailer tomorrow, and for the preview screening. I want to experience it in the theater myself.

With the conversation over, Jessica found herself in high spirits.

Everything in her life was finally moving in a good direction. For someone who'd spent years under Timothy's control, it was the first real glimmer of hope she'd seen in a long time.

The gift was ready. Jessica took the package and stepped into a cab, feeling lighter than she had in years.

Once the cooling-off period was over and her divorce papers were finalized, Vince would get to see his sister again. After that, nothing would be able to hold Jessica back.

She reserved a table at The Silverthread Eatery for dinner.

She arrived early; she couldn't be late tonight. The three people she'd invited were all incredibly important to her.

Jessica had hoped to book a private

room, but they'd all been reserved.

She settled for a table in the

dining room, which, with its

floor-to-ceiling windows and

Pet

well-spaced booths, was stil elegant and comfortable.

About fifteen minutes later, Vince arrived, followed quickly by Herbert and Ines.

Vince and Herbert already knew Jessica had regained her voice, but Ines didn't. As Jessica greeted her mentor, she called out, "Professor!"

Ines froze in surprise, her eyes filling with tears as she squeezed Jessica's hand. "Jessy, you can speak again?"

Jessica nodded.

"That's wonderful, absolutely wonderful! Did you go abroad for treatment?"

Jessica invited Ines to sit. “I started treatment a while ago. I wasn't sure if it would work, so I didn't mention it before. Herbert's been helping me all along, and it was just yesterday that I could finally speak normally again."

Ines turned to Herbert. "Thank you so much. You actually cured Jessy's aphasia. Your medical skills will help so many people in the future."

Herbert looked a little embarrassed.

He'd started researching this

disorder for one reason only: he wanted Jessica to speak again. It was only later, during his clinical practice, that he realized how many others suffered the same condition. That's when he began sharing his methods with hospitals everywhere.

"You're too kind, Ines."

Jessica pulled out the gift box. "Dr. Wheeler, thank you for curing me after all

these years. I picked this out for you-I hope you'll like it."

Herbert was overjoyed, his heart practically singing as he accepted the beautifully wrapped box.

Vince grinned, curiosity getting the better of him. "Open it up! Let's see what she got you I'm dying to know."

Herbert couldn't wait, either. For him, this was an enormous surprise.

Not far away, Timothy entered the restaurant. He watched as Jessica handed Herbert her special gift, her face lit up with a happiness Timothy hadn't seen in years.

His handsome, sharp features darkened instantly.

Meanwhile, Herbert eagerly unwrapped the present.