Goodbye, Mr. Regret novel Chapter 33

Jessica sat beside her on the antique wooden settee.

The two of them faced each other across a small coffee table, which was scattered with all sorts of delicate paper cuttings.

"Jessica, I'm just not satisfied with any of these decorations," Latonia sighed. "It's a pity your grandmother passed away years ago. The neighbors told me you're quite talented too. Could I trouble you to make some for me?"

Jessica nodded silently.

She didn't speak a word.

Latonia had heard from Herbert that Jessica still hadn't regained her voice.

Latonia led Jessica around the villa, asking her to help spot the best places for the decorations. Jessica took her time, studying the rooms, and snapped photos on her phone of the spots that needed some color.

Communicating in gestures and notes on her phone, Jessica let Latonia know she could finish everything in about two days.

Latonia, who hadn't seen Jessica in so long, insisted she stay for dinner.

Afterwards, Latonia had Herbert drive Jessica home.

Once Jessica climbed into the car, Herbert glanced over. "Where do you live?"

Jessica signed quickly, her hands moving with practiced grace. "I'm not heading home. I need to buy some materials—could you drop me at the fabric market on the south side?"

"Fabric? For paper cuttings?" Herbert was genuinely surprised.

Jessica smiled and signed again.

"Yes, lots of materials can be used for cutting designs. Your house has a classic look—if I use ordinary paper, it just wouldn't fit."

Her hands moved with effortless elegance, her fingers nimble and wrists poised, making her sign language almost look like a dance.

Herbert found himself looking forward to seeing her finished work.

Jessica had learned the craft from her grandmother as a child, often lending a hand with intricate projects. Now, it seemed, she had blended old traditions with a modern touch.

Perhaps she'd even surpassed her teacher.

Herbert dropped her off at the fabric market, but instead of leaving, he got out to follow her.

Unbelievable, Sallie thought. A mute girl like Jessica was lucky just to have Timothy, and yet here she was, cozying up to some other guy in public.

Sallie hurried forward.

Just then, her phone rang. Phelps was calling.

"Sallie, come home early tonight, all of Timothy's family will be there."

"I will. I'll head back after I check out a few more fabrics."

She hung up and looked around, but Jessica had already disappeared into the crowd.

Frowning, Sallie dialed Timothy.

"Timothy, are you with Jessica?"

"No. Why?"

Sallie hardly ever took the initiative to ask about Jessica.