Goodbye, Mr. Regret novel Chapter 80

Ines offered a gentle smile.

"So, President Lawson, I'm a little curious—what exactly is your relationship with Sheila?"

Inside the storage room, Jessica's expression clouded. She was just as interested in hearing how Timothy would explain himself.

"She's my aunt," Timothy replied.

Jessica's fingers curled tightly. So, her suspicions were right after all.

In fact, Ines had seen the video footage of Timothy and Sheila being stopped by the paparazzi. He'd given the exact same answer to the press then.

"Didn't expect your aunt to be so young?" Ines teased, arching a brow.

"She is," Timothy said calmly. "We were born on the same day."

Jessica's face went rigid.

For seven years, Timothy never spent his birthday at home. The first year, he'd been away on business, and Jessica missed her chance to celebrate with him. The second year, she'd tried to plan ahead, asking him to keep the day free so she could be with him. Like any woman in love, she cared about these special occasions—she'd waited hopefully.

But Timothy had been cold, telling her not to trouble herself over his birthday. After that, Jessica never brought it up again.

Every year, when Timothy's birthday came around, she'd wait until Henry was asleep. Then, quietly, she would bake a cake, write a little birthday wish, light the candles, and sing "Happy Birthday" alone in the kitchen. Since Timothy never celebrated, she stopped celebrating her own birthday too.

Ines paused, considering. "Let me think it over."

"All right," Timothy said. "I'll wait for your good news."

Jessica felt a prickle of tears in her eyes. Her mentor hadn't given up on her after all.

She listened as footsteps faded down the hallway, but she stayed frozen in the lounge, unable to move for a long while.

Timothy went to Henry's room, picked out one of his illustrated books, and brought it to Ines.

"Thank you for hosting us tonight, President Lawson. It's getting late—I won't keep you any longer."

Even though she hadn't seen Jessica, Ines left with a touch of regret.

Her animation exhibitions were always well-publicized; if Jessica was watching, she'd surely know how to find her.