Timothy walked over, concern etched on his face.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Timothy, talk to Henry for me, will you? I really have to go back home."


    She looked pale and anxious.


    Timothy''s voice grew gentle. "Is this about the news today?"


    "Timothy, we..." She turned away, struggling for words. "I don''t want to be a burden to you anymore. My father just called-he''s arranged a marriage for me. He wants me toe home and meet the man."


    "Miss She, please don''t leave, okay? My teacher rmended me for the children''s artspetition, and I want you there with me..."


    Henry clung to She''s hand, his voice trembling with tears.


    She''s eyes filled with tenderness. She knelt down and gently wiped away Henry''s tears.


    "Henry, it''s not that I don''t want to be there for you. I''ve already dyed my trip for days. Your great-grandfather keeps urging me toe back. But if I get the chance, I promise I''ll visit again, alright?"


    Henry turned hopefully toward Timothy.


    "Dad,st time you brought Miss She to school for the parent-child event, my ssmates and teacher all thought she was my mom. If I go to thepetition with someone else, everyone''s going to ask questions. I don''t want them to find out that my real mom can''t talk..."


    "Henry, you shouldn''t be embarrassed about your mother. She can''t speak, but that''s not her fault. If she knew you felt this way, it would break her heart. If you really don''t want her toe, your dad or your aunt can go with you. But don''t ever speak about your mother like that again, understand?"


    Timothy thought for a moment, then said, "She, since Henry needs you, why don''t you stay a little longer? Jessica can''t speak, and now that Henry''s older, it''s only natural he cares about what people think."


    "But..."


    She stood up, lips pressed together, struggling. "I really don''t want to cause you any more trouble."


    Timothy, however, took hold of her suitcase and, without a word, wheeled it toward the guest room.


    She and Henry hurried after him.


    "Timothy, please don''t start a fight with your family because of me. You know I''d feel awful if you did."


    Timothy set the suitcase down and looked at her, his gaze steady and deep.


    "Trust me. Things aren''t like they were seven years ago."


    She''s heart skipped a beat.


    Was he saying...?


    "Miss She, Dad says you can stay. Please, don''t leave yet, okay?" Henry pleaded.


    She hesitated, then finally relented. "Alright. I''ll stay for now."


    "I need to step out for a bit," Timothy said.


    He left the house, but a momentter returned and went into the master bedroom. From his own suitcase, he pulled out a velvet box containing the Voice Emitting Ring.


    She stood on the second-floor balcony, watching as Timothy''s Bentley glided down the driveway, the headlights fading into the night.


    Three hourster.


    Timothy''s car pulled up outside Jessica''s home.


    Jessica was standing at the door, signing to Herbert.


    "I''m here. Thanks for driving me home. You should get some rest."


    She turned to go inside.


    "Wait-I brought a gift for you."


    Herbert reached into the glove box and took out a long velvet box. He flipped open the lid.


    Inside, a huge diamond pendant sparkled under the light.


    Jessica immediately shook her head, refusing. Such arge diamond had to be outrageously expensive.


    "Hey, Little Mute, don''t rush to say no. Give me your phone for a second."


    Jessica pulled out her phone and switched it on.


    From where he waited in the car, Timothy saw the glow of the screen illuminate Jessica''s calm, gentle face.


    Herbert held out his hand to her, waiting.