Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica pressed her lips together.

Clearly, Timothy was worried that if she returned to work, it would sway Ines's decision somehow.

He was overthinking it.

She was terminally ill-cancer had left her with little time. Even if she wanted to, her body wouldn't allow her to go back to work.

When Ines heard Timothy questioning Jessica, she wondered if he was actually open to letting Jessica work again. As it happened, she'd planned to raise the topic herself today. Without hesitation, she turned to them and said, "Mr. Lawson, since you're both here, I'd like to ask what you think. Jessica isn't alone anymore. If she does go back to work, she'll need her family's support. I hope she'll return to the animation industry-she's so talented, and someone like her deserves to shine. Mr. Lawson, if Jessica wanted to start working again, would you support her?"

Sheila felt her heart twist into knots.

She was sitting right there, yet Ines didn't spare her any courtesy-every word made it clear that she wanted Jessica on her team.

How was she supposed to accept that?

Sheila glanced at Timothy, anxiety flooding her. What if he took Jessica's side?

Timothy didn't answer Ines directly. Instead, he turned to Jessica with a gentle look in his eyes. "Jessica, you haven't answered me yet. Do you want to go back to work?"

Ines, too, watched Jessica with hopeful anticipation.

But Timothy's question chilled Jessica to the core.

She knew full well-Timothy would never let her work again.

She'd brought it up after their wedding. He refused. All these years, he'd only

wanted her to stay home and take care of the family.

Jessica also knew how much Ines hoped she would say yes.

But right now, she couldn't give an answer.

At that moment, the waiter arrived with their food, interrupting the conversation.

Dinner began, and they let the topic drop-for now.

It wasn't until after the meal that Ines raised it again.

"Mr. Lawson, Jessica has always loved animation. She only gave up her passion because of marriage. I know, with your financial means and social standing, she doesn't need to work."

Ines paused, then continued, "She's living with a disability. In some ways, that means she needs to prove herself even more than the rest of us. If she hadn't given up seven years ago, with her talent, she might not be famous, but she'd certainly have carved out a place for herself."

Jessica tugged gently at Ines's sleeve, shaking her head.

She hadn't worked for years, and probably never would again. Ines's praise only made her feel unworthy.

Ines patted the back of Jessica's hand, reassuring her. "Don't be afraid. If I say you can do it, you can."

After so many years away from work, Jessica's eyes still held a shadow of self- doubt.

That wasn't what Ines wanted for her. Jessica might not speak, but the woman Ines remembered had always brimmed with confidence when it came to animation.

Wanting to avoid the awkwardness of Timothy rejecting Ines in person, Jessica signed, *Give me a little time to think about it, okay, Professor?*

Ines's face lit up with surprise—at least this time, Jessica hadn't turned her down.noveldrama

"Of course. I'll wait for your answer."

Before leaving, Ines glanced at Sheila, then at Timothy. She seemed to have something more to say, but in the end, she kept it to herself.

Once Ines had gone, Timothy said nothing. He just took Jessica's hand and led her out of the restaurant.

Sheila stood up and watched the married couple walk away, her expression darkening.

They were legally married-she had no right to interfere.

Deep down, Sheila looked down on Jessica.

She never would have guessed that Jessica had studied the same field as she

had.