Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Daisy tore open the first gift bag, her eyes going wide with excitement. "Wow, it's a platinum gift card for Wonderland Park!"

Jessica knew Timothy had arranged this for Daisy.

Clutching the card, Daisy grinned and announced, "Godmom, Santa Claus is so good to me! I get to go to the amusement park today!"

She reached for the second bag. "Goddess, this one's for you to open."

Jessica untied the ribbon and peeked inside. It was the Royal Pearl Necklace- Timothy's birthday gift to her, the one that had been broken when Sheila dropped

it.

But now, it looked different.

Ten of the pearls had been set with delicate emeralds, arranged from smallest to largest, giving the necklace a modern, elegant flair.

Jessica realized Timothy must have had the damaged pearls repaired after the accident at the hospital. This necklace had belonged to his mother—a family heirloom-and yet, he insisted on giving it to her again.

"Godmom, Santa really knows how to pick gifts. That necklace is so beautiful," Daisy said with awe.

If it had been anything else, Jessica might have accepted it without a second thought. But this necklace was different; it was his mother's. Accepting it would mean something more.

"It is beautiful," she agreed softly.

But she didn't want it—not like this. So Jessica carefully placed the necklace back in its bag and set it on her vanity.

"There's one last bag," Daisy chirped.

Jessica glanced at it and said, "Let's leave that one for now. Why don't we get ready and head to the amusement park?"

At the mention of rides and games, Daisy forgot all about the last bag.

Vince soon arrived with a dress for Daisy-a lovely princess gown with a matching tiara tucked inside.

Jessica helped Daisy into the dress and styled her hair into neat curls, finishing the look with a touch of her own lipstick-a tiny beauty mark in the center of Daisy's forehead.

"Today, our Daisy is going to be the prettiest princess in the whole park," Jessica declared.

Daisy beamed at her reflection, her face glowing with happiness.

There's nothing quite like having a mom.

Meanwhile, Vince and Timothy were in the living room, eyeing each other warily.

When Jessica led Daisy out, Timothy's brow furrowed as he took in Daisy's transformation. He'd never really noticed before, but now, looking closely, he realized just how much Daisy resembled a young Jessica.

It was...dangerous.

Last night, Yates Bryant had left a comment on Vince's social media, noting the likeness between Daisy and Jessica. The thought had stuck with Vince, and now, staring at Daisy, he couldn't help but agree.

Glancing at Timothy, Vince teased, "You know, Daisy really looks like you. If no one said otherwise, people would think you two are actually mother and daughter."

Daisy piped up, "Goddess, do you need a daughter? If you're short one, we can just drop the 'god' part and I'll be your real daughter."

She didn't have a mom anymore, and she wanted one so badly. Last night, snuggled up with Jessica, listening to a bedtime story, she'd felt almost like she had her mother back a soft, sweet warmth she'd missed for so long.

Timothy's voice was stern. "Daisy, you're part of the Zimmerman family. If you moved to the Lawsons, your great-grandfather would never allow it."

If they wanted a daughter, they'd have to have one themselves.

Timothy's tone was dry, but Vince just grinned. "Don't worry about that, Timothy. If Jessy wants it, I'm sure my grandfather would be all for it."

Jessica crouched down, cupping Daisy's cheek. "Godmom has to travel abroad soon. Once everything's settled and I'm stable, I'll give you an answer, okay?"

She didn't want to disappoint Daisy, but her own life was in too much upheaval right now to promise anything.

Daisy nodded. "Okay. I'll wait for your answer."

Just then, Mabel called them for breakfast.

Timothy stood and invited Vince to join them. But Jessica smiled and said, "Vince, there's a great breakfast place called Velvet Fork. Let me treat you there."

"Sounds good! I love their crystal rolls. They're famous for those, and I've been craving them. Let's go."

Timothy's face darkened. "I already had someone pick up fresh crystal rolls this morning. If you go now you'll have to wait in line for an hour. We've got plenty here-are you sure you want to queue up?"

Vince looked to Jessica. "Are you in a hurry? If not, I don't mind waiting."

Jessica laughed. "I'm not in a rush. A little patience in line is a virtue. Let's go." Timothy's expression was thunderous.

Before leaving, Jessica turned to Mabel. "Mabel, there are plenty of apples in my room. Could you divide them up and give some to each of the staff?"

With that, she and Vince headed out with Daisy in tow.

Mabel didn't dare meet Timothy's eyes. She'd helped carry the apples in when Secretary Allen brought

them yesterday, and it was clear net

now that Mrs. Lawson had no intention of accepting Mr. Lawson's gesture. .noveldrama

Kon

Timothy went to the master bedroom. He saw the two bags from the Christmas tree had been taken down. One empty bag sat on the vanity, the other still held the necklace-untouched.

She had seen it, but she hadn't even taken it out.

The last gift bag still hung untouched on the Christmas tree. She didn't even want

to look at it.

Timothy pulled out his phone and dialed Sallie Lawson.

"What is it?” she answered.

"It's Christmas. Take Henry to the amusement park. I'll meet you there."

Jessica had taken the Wonderland Park gift card; she'd definitely be there with Daisy today.