Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy, for his part, hadn't even shown the slightest hint of anger.

Sallie, clearly dissatisfied, shot Jessica a dramatic eyeroll before turning back to Timothy. "Timothy, maybe you don't know this yet, but on Grandpa's birthday, I saw her at the fabric market. She was with some guy, laughing and looking awfully cozy with him..."

Timothy fixed his gaze on Sallie, his eyes cold as frost. His lips, sharp as if carved from marble, pressed into a hard, silent line.

Realizing she'd pushed too far, Sallie clammed up immediately.

She'd acted on impulse-again.

Men care about their pride, after all. And Jessica, being mute, made any talk of

her cheating even more humiliating for Timothy.

She shouldn't have blurted it out so recklessly.

Timothy broke eye contact, reaching over to take Jessica's hand.

Jessica tried to pull away, but his grip was unyielding.

Sallie just gaped.

Even now, Timothy was taking Jessica home?

the car, loaded her suitcase in the backseat, and got in himself. He didn't spare Sallie a single glance as he started the engine and drove

twisted

with his composure, would never argue with Jessica in public. He'd probably wait until

Sallie climbed into her own car, intent on following to see what would happen

***

Timothy brought Jessica home.

as they entered the master bedroom, gently guiding her to sit at the edge of the bed. Then he knelt in front of her, his hands moving gracefully

were long and elegant, his features striking; watching him communicate in

language, but rarely used it. Jessica could hear perfectly well —she just

hands formed the words: "About this morning-sorry. I was

Jessica hesitated.

first time Timothy had

herself. It

in sign: "Let's get

eyes, dark and turbulent.

turning away

unnecessary words, and he despised drama. Their life since marrying had been peaceful-just the way he liked it. Divorce had never even crossed

Jessica was suddenly making