Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Alright, see you in a bit."

Timothy hung up. Mabel turned to him, "Sir, why don't you go have some breakfast? I'll tidy things up here."

But with Jessica gone, Timothy had no appetite for breakfast.

He walked straight out the door.

Vince drove the car out of the gated community. "Jessy, I was fibbing to Timothy earlier—I've already eaten. If you and Daisy want to go to Velvet Fork for their famous pastries, I'll drop you both off."noveldrama

But she had no real craving for pastries.

Back when she was living with the Lawsons, she used to stand in line at Velvet Fork just because she heard Timothy liked their pastries. She'd wait for ages, hoping to bring some home for him, but she never managed to catch him at the right time.

He traveled so often, always returning on unpredictable schedules. Sometimes he'd say he'd be back, and then postpone his trip. Even when he was home, he'd often vanish early in the morning. In the end, not once did she manage to hand him those pastries herself.

"I'm easy—let's see what Daisy feels like eating. You can take us to whichever restaurant she likes."

"Alright."

After dropping Jessica and Daisy off, Vince explained he had other commitments and couldn't stay with them.

With the film's promo ramping up, he had a string of meetings lined up, and with the New Year preview screening approaching-plus another major release date just around the corner-there was plenty to do.

Jessica took Daisy into the restaurant.

They'd just started eating when her phone rang-Herbert Wheeler was calling.

He'd had surgery last night and worked until the early hours. He'd wanted to invite Jessica to dinner, but the timing didn't work out. So, he suggested meeting on Christmas Day instead.

"Little Mute, are you free today?"

"I am."

“I remember how much you wanted to go to the amusement park when you were little. Want to go today, just for fun?"

Jessica laughed, "That's exactly where I was headed. But I'll have one extra with me."

"Who?"

Herbert hoped it wasn't Vince. That would be a downer.

"I've just become a godmother to a very cute girl. I'm taking her along."

That, he could live with.

"Perfect. Where are you two? I'll come pick you up."

"I'll hang up and text you my location."

After finishing breakfast, Jessica and Daisy waited out front. Herbert arrived quickly.

"This is your new goddaughter?"

"Yes, her name is Daisy," Jessica introduced them. "Daisy, this is Mr. Wheeler."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Wheeler," Daisy greeted him sweetly.

"Such a polite girl," Herbert praised, smiling at Jessica. "Whose child is she?"

"She's from the Zimmerman family-Herbert's aunt's granddaughter."

It made sense; Jessica didn't have a lot of friends around.

That Vince, Herbert thought, exasperated, couldn't come himself and instead arranged for a goddaughter to tag along with Jessy.

Even though a pang of jealousy twisted inside him, Herbert wouldn't let it show. He certainly wasn't about to compete with a child. He spoke kindly to Daisy and ushered her and Jessica into the car.

Daisy attended boarding school and was only allowed out for monthly breaks, major holidays, and vacation periods.

That explained why, as soon as they entered the amusement park, Daisy was practically bouncing with excitement, tugging Jessica's hand as she ran inside.

Daisy's parents were gone. Though she now lived with the Greenes, Vince was always tied up with work, her grandparents were abroad, and her great-grandfather was elderly. There really wasn't anyone to spend time with Daisy.

Days like today, when Vince was busy, meant Daisy might not get to visit the amusement park at all.

The thought made Jessica's heart ache for the little girl.

Thankfully, Daisy was still lively and cheerful, not weighed down by her circumstances.

"Godmom, can we ride the carousel?" Daisy asked eagerly.

"Of course-let's go!"

Herbert headed off to buy tickets, but Daisy waved her card. "Santa gave me this

card last night! No need for you to pay, Mr. Wheeler. Will you ride with us?"

"I'll stay out here and take pictures of you both, alright?"

"Thank you, Mr. Wheeler!"

Daisy swiped her pass twice and pulled Jessica onto the carousel.

"Goddess, can I sit with you? I get scared alone."

"Come here."

Jessica lifted Daisy up, settling behind her on the painted horse and wrapping her arms securely around Daisy.

Vince and Larkin had always been good to Jessica, so she was happy to help

care for Daisy-especially now that Daisy was her goddaughter.

Jessica had always loved children. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have done so much for Henry Lawson in the past. Losing her mother young and being@bandoned by her father, she understood just how vital a parent's love was for a child.

The carousel spun to life, music drifting through the air, lights sparkling. Daisy beamed with joy.

Not far away, Sallie had brought Henry to the amusement park too. From a distance, Henry spotted his mother with her arms wrapped lovingly around Daisy on the carousel.

He broke into a run, stopping at the fence to watch. Seeing Jessica's smile and care for Daisy sent an unmistakable pang through him.

"Mom!" he shouted.

Sallie chased after him and looked up, catching sight of Jessica and Daisy

together.

She fumed.

It was Christmas, and Jessica had left her own son behind to take the Zimmerman family's Daisy out instead.