Goodbye, Mr. Regret

She took her tools out of the suitcase.

She'd promised Latonia, and a bad mood was no excuse to break her word.

Besides, she didn't have much time left.

Her grandmother had always hoped she would keep the art of paper-cutting alive. Jessica would do what she could, for as long as she could.

Because of love, she'd let down the two people who mattered most.

Her thoughts drifted to Ines.

Ines's touring exhibition was making its second stop in Riverside City.

Jessica quickly grabbed her phone and scrolled through her contacts, finding the official account she'd saved after scanning the QR code last time.

Tickets for the Riverside City show had already been on presale for days. The exhibition would open in three days at The Riverside Pavilion.

The event's exclusive sponsor was the Lawson Group.

It seemed Timothy still hadn't given up on the idea of having Ines mentor Sheila. Jessica hadn't realized Sheila's background was in animation, too.

After marrying, Sheila had left her career to focus on her family, letting go of her own ambitions. Jessica barely paid attention to anything related to animation anymore.

So, Jessica had no clue what projects Sheila had worked on, or what she'd accomplished in the field.

Still, she knew one thing for certain-if Sheila wanted something, Timothy would make sure she had every resource at her disposal.

Just like now-he'd exclusively sponsored Ines's exhibition.

All for Sheila.

Love-or the lack of it-was painfully obvious.

Jessica vaguely remembered bringing it up with Timothy once: that she'd studied animation in college, and hoped to keep working after marriage.

Timothy had disagreed. He insisted they didn't need the money, that he could provide her with a good life, and wanted her to devote herself to their home.

Jessica had thrown herself into domestic life without hesitation.

She snapped out of her thoughts and bought a ticket for the Riverside City exhibition.

Meanwhile, Timothy swung by the office to handle some urgent paperwork before heading to the hospital.

Henry was doing much better, playing a game with Sheila.noveldrama

Both of them were laughing, their faces lit up with genuine smiles.

Timothy couldn't help but smile, too.

Sheila looked up as he walked in. "Timothy, the doctor says Henry's improved a lot. If things keep going well, he can come home in a couple of days."

"Thank you for taking care of him," Timothy said. "Tell me what you want—I'll get you a gift."

Sheila rolled her eyes, half-laughing. "Don't be silly. You're all family to me. I'm not looking after Henry to get presents from you."

Henry piped up quickly, "Miss Sheila, you really have been working hard. If Dad wants to get you a gift, you should take it! Besides, I've got something for you, too."

Sheila's face lit up. "Oh? You've been in the hospital and still managed to get me a present?"

Henry nodded. "Yep! I planned it before I got sick. Once we're both out of here, you'll see."

Sheila reached out and playfully pinched Henry's nose. "Then I don't want your dad's gift—I just want yours. Deal?"

Henry snuggled into Sheila's arms, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, Dad helped me with it a little, so it's really from both of us."

"Henry, you little rascal," Sheila teased, "you're keeping secrets now? I'm dying to know what it is!"

Watching them together, Timothy felt the anger Jessica had stirred in him begin to fade.

But when he remembered that Jessica wanted a divorce, frustration bubbled up again.

He ordered dinner for everyone. Meals hadn't been very enjoyable lately.

With Jessica home, she'd probably have dinner ready, so Timothy just kept Sheila and Henry company, picking at his food more out of politeness than hunger.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside...