Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Hello, President Lawson. The acquisition plan for the Wheeler Group is ready. Would you like to review it now?"

Timothy Lawson paused, remembering the look of anger on Jessica Greene's face back at the restaurant when he'd announced the Wheeler Group takeover. After a moment, he said, "Leave it on my desk for now."

"Understood. Also, I've contacted several wedding planners, and their proposals have arrived. When would be a good time for Mrs. Lawson to look them over?"

"She's still in the hospital. Have someone deliver them to The Gilded Whisper Estates. She can review them after she's discharged."

It turned out Sheila Howard's injuries weren't serious. Once her wound was bandaged and the shot administered, she was almost ready to leave.

As she passed Jessica's hospital room, Sheila glanced through the little window in the door and saw Timothy sitting quietly by Jessica's bedside.

She bent down and spoke softly to Henry Lawson. "Your dad wants to stay at the hospital to take care of your mom. We shouldn't disturb them. How about I take you home?"

"Thank you, Miss Sheila."noveldrama

Sheila led Henry back to The Gilded Whisper Estates.

Just then, Secretary Allen's assistant arrived with the wedding planners'

proposals.

Sheila and Henry took the stack of glossy booklets together.

Henry flipped through the sample photos, frowning in confusion. "Who's getting

married? Why did they send all this stuff to our house?"

Of course Henry didn't understand-but Sheila did.

Timothy was planning a wedding for Jessica.

Did this mean... he'd really fallen for her?

Sheila clenched her jaw, jealousy swirling inside her like a storm.

Timothy was supposed to be hers.

Seven years ago, they'd been so close to getting married.

If she'd married Timothy back then, her child would be about Henry's age now.

All of this-this lovely, happy little family-should have been hers.

"Miss Sheila?"

Henry's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

She forced a smile. "It's probably your dad and mom's wedding. I heard your dad say they never had one."

Henry frowned. "But they're so old already. Why are they having a wedding now?"

If his dad really went through with this wedding, it would be all over the news. Everyone would know his real mom was Jessica. Then, whenever he pretended Sheila was his mother in front of others, he'd be exposed. People would think he was just a little liar.

What was he supposed to do now?

By the time Jessica opened her eyes again, dusk had settled outside the window.

"You're awake?"

Timothy's warm, even voice drifted across the quiet room.

She turned her head to look at him.

He was still here, after all this time?

"The doctor was just in. Your fever's gone. Get changed-we're going home."

Jessica knew there was no point resisting him right now. She pulled back the covers and sat up.

Timothy handed her the clothes Mabel had brought from home.

She signed to him: "Get out."

He smirked, the corners of his mouth lifting. "You really think there's anything I haven't seen before?"

Jessica flushed with embarrassment but insisted he leave.

Timothy just lowered himself onto the edge of the bed and reached for the buttons on her hospital gown.

She clutched the front of her gown, glaring at him with obvious reluctance.

"Be good. Don't test my patience."

His tone was gentle, but beneath it was a clear warning.

Slowly, Jessica released her grip.

Her clothes from earlier were still damp, so the nurse had helped her into the

hospital gown, leaving nothing underneath.

As Timothy caught sight of her pale, luminous skin, he swallowed hard.

He hadn't tasted her in so long.

In that moment, he lost control and buried his face against her chest, pressing his lips to her skin.