Goodbye, Mr. Regret

A few minutes later, Jessica heard the sound of Henry leaving with Secretary Allen.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to dispel the heaviness pressing against her chest.

Mabel stood in the doorway of the master bedroom, raising her hand several times as if to knock and offer Jessica some comfort, but in the end, she let her hand fall.

It seemed that nothing she could say would make a difference.

The next morning, Jessica set out with her finished piece and headed to a framing shop.noveldrama

After picking out a frame, she pulled her artwork from her tote and typed a message on her phone, asking the owner to mount it for her.

When the shop owner saw Jessica's work, his eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait-

this is made out of paper?"

Jessica smiled and nodded.

"You did this yourself?"

She nodded again.

The shop owner studied the piece in awe. "This is incredible. I've never seen papercutting with such realistic, dimensional detail."

Jessica's piece was inspired by a medieval lady-her flowing gown and delicate features rendered in intricate layers. The Wheelers' home, after all, was decorated in a style reminiscent of Renaissance elegance.

The owner admired the work so much, he insisted on doing the framing himself. Once it was set in the frame, it was almost hard to believe Jessica had fashioned it from paper-the likeness was so vivid, it seemed the lady's eyes might blink if you looked long enough.

"Miss, is this piece for sale? I have a client who's a devotee of Renaissance art and traditional crafts. Even though you just made this, it's a testament to classic technique-I'm sure he'd love it."

The Wheeler family wasn't just any family; Jessica couldn't risk picking a mediocre frame for them. She'd chosen this shop precisely because it was one of the most exclusive on the antiques street, catering to a discerning clientele.

Jessica typed her reply: This one was commissioned. It's not for sale.

The owner, clearly taken with her work, pressed her could she design another?

He would love to commission a piece for his friend.

Jessica nodded in agreement.

They quickly exchanged contact information.

The finished piece was fairly large. When it was time to check out, Jessica asked

the owner to help her arrange for a delivery van.

He was happy to oblige.

Jessica followed the van to the Wheeler estate.

When Latonia saw the artwork Jessica brought, she was speechless with astonishment.

"Jessica, is this really made from paper?"

Herbert, seated nearby, couldn't take his eyes off it—his admiration almost

palpable. After all these years, Little Mute had truly become someone remarkable.

Jessica nodded at Latonia.

Latonia beamed. "Jessica, you've really outdone yourself—you're a true artist now! Are you working in the art field?"

At the mention of work, Jessica's smile faded a little. She reached for her phone to type a response, but Herbert spoke up.

"You can just sign," he said gently. "I understand sign language. No need to tire yourself out typing."

Jessica put her phone away and signed her answer.

Herbert frowned thoughtfully, then translated: "Mom, Jessica says that after she got married, she became a full-time homemaker and hasn't worked since."

Latonia sighed in disappointment. "I've never seen papercutting so beautiful. Your skill deserves international recognition."

She pulled Jessica down beside her. "Women today can have their own careers, you know—you don't have to confine yourself to the home. Jessica, your work is stunning. Don't you want the world to see it?"