Goodbye, Mr. Regret novel Chapter 458

Sheila opened the door, surprised to find Timothy standing there.

“Timothy, come in. Have a seat.”

She reached out, ready to steady him, but Timothy sidestepped her hand. “I can walk on my own.”

His sudden coldness stung in a way Sheila couldn’t quite put into words. Still, she swallowed her discomfort.

“I’ll make you some coffee.”

“No need. I won’t be staying long.”

Sheila felt even more at a loss. What was he here for, then?

Timothy settled into the living room armchair. “Sit down.”

Uneasy, Sheila perched on the edge of the couch.

Looking directly at her, Timothy got right to the point. “I just stopped by Ines’s studio. From her, I learned that the reason she gave that painting, The Grand Canal, Venice, to Henry, was because she saw Jessy’s style in one of Henry’s papercut illustrations. So, that painting can’t stay with you. I’m here to take it back.”

Sheila stared at him, stunned.

This was the first time he’d ever asked to take back something he’d given her.

He really was starting to care more about Jessica.

But she didn’t argue. “I see. Since it’s hard for you to get around, I’ll have someone bring it to you later.”

“No need. I’ll have someone pick it up. Also, about Henry calling you his mother in public—please correct him in the future. All this confusion about family roles has to stop. Jessy cares about it a lot.”

Suddenly, it felt to Sheila as though everything had changed in an instant.

She forced herself to keep her composure. “Alright.”

Timothy caught the edge in his own words and tried to explain. “I don’t want our family to fall apart. I used to think she could understand our relationship, but I’ve realized recently that she can’t. I hope you won’t be offended about me taking the painting back.”

Sheila gave a small, strained smile. “Timothy, it’s nothing. Why would I mind?”

“Good. Also, you’re not getting any younger. I hope you’ll consider getting married soon.”

She froze, her smile vanishing.

“Timothy, do you realize what you’re saying?”

“I do.”

Her expression turned steely. “I’ve found my biological father. If you refuse to accept me, then I’m your aunt—and as your elder, what right do you have to comment on my marriage?”

Back when Timothy wanted to marry her, they were equals. But if he refused her now, she had every right, as his aunt, to take the upper hand.

Her family registration was with the Howards. She was Sandra and Abell’s daughter, Timothy’s aunt in every legal and moral sense.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify