Goodbye, Mr. Regret

These past few days, Jessica had been in a deep slump. She barely had the energy to think about anything else.

But there was a deeper, more pressing reason behind it-she was running out of time.

In the few short months she had left, whatever she tried to do would always feel rushed, never enough.

"Little Mute?"

Herbert, noticing her silence, waved a hand in front of her face.

Jessica looked up, her expression heavy as she signed, "If it's not a big order, I can manage."

Herbert couldn't quite understand it. Jessica's papercut artwork was nothing short of exquisite—almost museum-worthy. And she'd learned it from her grandmother, to whom she'd always been especially close.

So why wasn't she trying to make something of her talent?

He hesitated, then asked gently, "Is something holding you back?"

His mother had once invited Jessica to host an exhibition and offered to sponsor her. Back then, Jessica had been busy caring for her husband and son, so it made sense she'd turned it down.

But she was preparing for divorce now. Surely she wouldn't have to spend so much time on her husband and son anymore. Shouldn't this be her chance to do something she actually enjoyed?

Herbert desperately wanted to support her.

After all, Jessica had been singled out by Ines at sixteen and granted early admission to Riverside Media Institute. She could have had a brilliant future.

Jessica was quiet for a long moment before she raised her hands to sign, "I haven't really designed anything in years. I'm afraid I'd embarrass your mother."

"Not a chance," Herbert said. "My mom raves about your work. The guests we had yesterday are people with real taste, and they loved your pieces. That says a lot. Besides, aren't you planning to divorce Timothy? If you don't have a career to stand on, how are you going to fight him for custody of your son?"

At the mention of her son, Jessica's face clouded over. Her hands moved slowly: "I'm not planning to fight for custody."

Even if she tried, she'd never win.

She only had a few months left-what would be the point of fighting to raise him?

And besides, Henry would never choose her.

There was no need to make things worse for herself.

Herbert stared at her, eyes dark and troubled.

What mother willingly gives up her child?

Little Mute must have gone through something he couldn't even imagine.

What exactly had Timothy done to her these past seven years?

A surge of anger burned in Herbert's chest.

Jessica looked utterly defeated, as if she'd lost all her reasons for living.

It broke his heart.

Fighting back his frustration, Herbert lowered his voice and said, "Even if you don't fight for custody, life after divorce is a fresh start. You deserve a chance to really live."

Jessica met his gaze.

She wanted to tell Herbert that simply staying alive already felt like an impossible luxury-living well was out of the question.noveldrama

But she couldn't say it.

She didn't want anyone to know just how bad things really were.

All her life, being mute had made her a target not just for ridicule, but for pity. And for someone like her, the last thing she wanted was anyone's pity.

Herbert held her gaze, his own eyes fierce with determination. "Don't you want to live better? Don't you want to pass down your grandmother's craft? And don't you want to go see your old mentor again?"

Herbert had heard that, at Ines's first exhibition, there'd been a piece he recognized instantly as Jessica's style.

She'd given it all up for love, and Ines had always regretted it.

Herbert's words landed like blows, striking deep in Jessica's heart.

He pulled a ticket from his bag.

"From what I hear, your mentor is looking for students. I bought a ticket for tomorrow's show. Will you come with me?"