Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy walked over, concern etched on his face.

"What's wrong?"

"Timothy, talk to Henry for me, will you? I really have to go back home."

Sheila looked pale and anxious.

Timothy's voice grew gentle. "Is this about the news today?"

"Timothy, we..." Sheila turned away, struggling for words. "I don't want to be a burden to you anymore. My father just called-he's arranged a marriage for me. He wants me to come home and meet the man."

"Miss Sheila, please don't leave, okay? My teacher recommended me for the children's arts competition, and I want you there with me..."

Henry clung to Sheila's hand, his voice trembling with tears.

Sheila's eyes filled with tenderness. She knelt down and gently wiped away Henry's tears.

"Henry, it's not that I don't want to be there for you. I've already delayed my trip for days. Your great-grandfather keeps urging me to come back. But if I get the chance, I promise I'll visit again, alright?"noveldrama

Henry turned hopefully toward Timothy.

"Dad, last time you brought Miss Sheila to school for the parent-child event, my classmates and teacher all thought she was my mom. If I go to the competition with someone else, everyone's going to ask questions. I don't want them to find out that my real mom can't talk..."

"Henry, you shouldn't be embarrassed about your mother. She can't speak, but that's not her fault. If she knew you felt this way, it would break her heart. If you really don't want her to come, your dad or your aunt can go with you. But don't ever speak about your mother like that again, understand?"

Timothy thought for a moment, then said, "Sheila, since Henry needs you, why don't you stay a little longer? Jessica can't speak, and now that Henry's older, it's only natural he cares about what people think."

"But..."

Sheila stood up, lips pressed together, struggling. "I really don't want to cause you any more trouble."

Timothy, however, took hold of her suitcase and, without a word, wheeled it toward the guest room.

Sheila and Henry hurried after him.

"Timothy, please don't start a fight with your family because of me. You know I'd feel awful if you did."

Timothy set the suitcase down and looked at her, his gaze steady and deep.

"Trust me. Things aren't like they were seven years ago."

Sheila's heart skipped a beat.

Was he saying...?

"Miss Sheila, Dad says you can stay. Please, don't leave yet, okay?" Henry pleaded.

Sheila hesitated, then finally relented. "Alright. I'll stay for now."

"I need to step out for a bit," Timothy said.

He left the house, but a moment later returned and went into the master bedroom. From his own suitcase, he pulled out a velvet box containing the Voice Emitting Ring.

Sheila stood on the second-floor balcony, watching as Timothy's Bentley glided down the driveway, the headlights fading into the night.

Three hours later.

Timothy's car pulled up outside Jessica's home.

Jessica was standing at the door, signing to Herbert.

"I'm here. Thanks for driving me home. You should get some rest."

She turned to go inside.

"Wait-I brought a gift for you."

Herbert reached into the glove box and took out a long velvet box. He flipped open the lid.

Inside, a huge diamond pendant sparkled under the light.

Jessica immediately shook her head, refusing. Such a large diamond had to be outrageously expensive.

"Hey, Little Mute, don't rush to say no. Give me your phone for a second."

Jessica pulled out her phone and switched it on.

From where he waited in the car, Timothy saw the glow of the screen illuminate Jessica's calm, gentle face.

Herbert held out his hand to her, waiting.