Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy started forward, ready to greet them.

But Mrs. Zimmerman had already walked up to Henry. “You said your mother is

the housekeeper?”

“And who are you?” Henry asked, having never met Mrs. Zimmerman before.

She’d spent most of the past years living abroad, only returning occasionally—

and never with a chance to meet Timothy’s son.

Jessica quickly stood and slipped her arm through Mrs. Zimmerman’s. “Mom, why

are you up so early? You should have rested longer.”

“I was worried about your grandfather and Daisy,” Mrs. Zimmerman replied. “I just

checked on your grandfather. He’s lucid, can move his arms and legs—just a bit

weak, but he should be fine.”

Henry remembered when Sallie had taken him to the Zimmermans’ estate; that’s

when he’d learned his mother was actually part of this family.

So, the elegant woman in front of him must be Mr. Zimmerman’s mother—his

grandmother.

He looked up shyly. “Grandma.”

The word made Mrs. Zimmerman’s heart tremble for a split second; blood ties

couldn’t be ignored. But then she remembered this boy had called his own mother

the housekeeper. That anger flared up again.

“A child who doesn’t respect his own mother has no right to call me Grandma. I

don’t consider someone so lacking in manners my grandson.”

The Zimmermans would never tolerate something like this.

Henry’s eyes filled with hurt. He’d already apologized to his mother, but she hadn’t

forgiven him. Now, he’d tried to reach out to his grandmother and was scolded

again.

Timothy crossed the room, and Henry immediately ran to him, wrapping his arms

around his father’s leg.

Seeing Timothy only made Mrs. Zimmerman’s irritation worse.

Still, she held it in and spoke coldly, “Take your son and leave. Don’t disrupt us

any further.”

“Mom, I’m sorry,” Timothy said quietly. “If a child acts out, the father is to blame. If

you’re angry, take it out on me. I’ll accept whatever you have to say.”

He believed Henry was still young

and had realized his mistake; with

time, he’d learn. If they kept shutting

him out, it would only wound him

more deeply.

Timothy lifted Henry up, gently patting his back to calm him.

“And don’t call me Mom, either,” Mrs.

Zimmerman Snapped. “I’ve already

heard about your plans to divorce

Jessy from Vince. If you know thenoveldrama

blame falls on the father, then take

your son and teach him properly.

What kind of son calls his own

mother the housekeeper? Is that

how you were raised?”

Worried that Mrs. Zimmerman might get even more upset, Timothy didn’t argue.

He turned, holding Henry tightly, and headed for the door.

Today was supposed to be about helping his son make amends.

He could only hope Jessica could see how much they both wanted to make things

right.

At the doorway, Timothy paused and looked back at Jessica. “Tomorrow is

Henry’s birthday. We’ll be at The Grand Celestia at noon. Will you come?”

Jessica gave no response.

“Mom, don’t you want to spend my birthday with me?” Henry’s voice broke.

Still nothing from Jessica.

With a heavy heart, Timothy carried Henry out of the hospital room.

As soon as they left, Jessica brushed away the tears in her eyes.

Her son had come to apologize—what mother’s heart wouldn’t soften?

Mrs. Zimmerman caught sight of Jessica’s trembling hand and felt a pang of

sympathy.

“Godmother,” Daisy called softly, her

voice weak. “Henry is your child. He

knows he was wrong. Can’t you

forgive him? My teacher always

says, it’s okay to make mistakes as

long as you own up to them and do

better next time.”

Daisy had seen Jessica crying and knew just how much she must love Henry.

Mrs. Zimmerman smiled warmly, moving to the bedside and stroking Daisy’s

cheek. “You really are such a thoughtful girl, Daisy.”