Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Mabel opened her mouth as if to speak, then hesitated, swallowing her words.

Timothy's handsome features were set in a cold, irritated scowl. "Out with it, Mabel. All at once."

She fidgeted, lowering her gaze. "I just think... Mrs. Lawson hasn't seemed herself lately."

As a housekeeper, Mabel had learned to hold her tongue, even when she was bursting with frustration.

Timothy's patience was wearing thin. "And what exactly am I supposed to do with that? You're not telling me anything new."

Mabel let out a quiet sigh. The real reason was obvious—wasn't all this because of Sheila? Even she, a mere servant, could see it. How could Mr. Lawson be so blind?

"Sir, maybe you should ask your sister," she suggested gently. "She was with Henry at the hospital today, and Mrs. Lawson only came by later in the evening."

"That's enough. Go home, Mabel. I'll stay with Henry."noveldrama

Once Mabel had left, Timothy pulled out his phone, preparing to call Sallie. Before he could dial, Sheila's voice drifted from inside the hospital room.

"Timothy?"

He slipped his phone back into his pocket and stepped inside.

Sheila stood up. "Henry didn't have any dinner. I was about to go find something for him to eat."

"I'll do it," Timothy replied.

It was late now—almost nine o'clock. He didn't go far, just chose a nearby restaurant and picked up food for three. He and Sheila hadn't had dinner yet either, so this would do for all of them.

Being stuck in the hospital had left Henry both sick and irritable. Mabel had done her best to comfort him, but without his parents by his side, the little boy's mood was fragile, and he'd refused to eat earlier.

Now, with Timothy and Sheila there, Henry made no complaints about the food not being homemade. Maybe it was their company, or maybe his spirits had lifted, but he ended up polishing off a bowlful, eating more heartily than he had all day. After dinner, sleepiness overtook him, and he was soon dozing peacefully. Sheila took Timothy's hand and led him quietly out of the room.

"Timothy, this can't go on. Henry's still so young, and he needs his mother. Is something going on between you and Jessica? She seems... upset, like she's avoiding things."

Sheila's worry was clear on her face.

"What could possibly be wrong?" Timothy grumbled, frustration creeping into his voice. "She's the one who left. I've done everything I could-talked, pleaded, coaxed her home again and again. I'm at my limit."

"Timothy!" Sheila's voice was firmer now. "Women need companionship. You're always buried in work-it's no wonder she feels neglected. Listen to me: go to her. Find her, talk to her properly. Henry will be fine with me here."

Timothy hesitated, pressing his lips into a thin line. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Sheila, for looking after Henry."

He turned and strode away.

Sheila watched him go, letting out a long breath. She'd been back for days now, and it was clear Timothy had no intention of filing for divorce. She'd have to think of another way...

As Timothy exited the hospital, his phone rang. It was Secretary Allen.

"Mr. Lawson, I've found which hotel Mrs. Lawson is staying at."

"Text me the address, and book me the earliest flight back to Capital City."

There was a pause. Allen's tone softened with concern. "Sir, you just got back from Capital City. All this traveling are you sure you can handle it?"

"Enough with the questions," Timothy snapped, cutting the call short.

Allen hurried to book the flight, sending both the itinerary and Jessica's hotel information over to Timothy.

Standing at the hospital entrance, Timothy flagged down a cab to the airport.

As he settled into the back seat, he remembered he still needed to call Sallie-he had to know how Jessica was really doing.