Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sallie strutted in, the sharp click of her heels echoing off the polished floor.

She leaned against the wall, eyes cold and disdainful as she fixed Jessica with a withering look. "You know, for someone who can't even speak, you're lucky Timothy married you. Instead of making him angry, maybe you should be grateful and treat him right. Honestly, in this house-or anywhere else for that matter-no one dares cross him. Are you out of your mind?"

On the way over, Sallie had actually given it some thought.

With Jessica's temperament, it was hard to imagine her having an affair. Besides, Sheila was back in the picture now. The last thing Sallie wanted was for Timothy and Sheila to get involved again; that would be a stain on his otherwise perfect life.

It was better to talk some sense into Jessica. Winning Timothy's heart was what really mattered.

Jessica kept her gaze lowered, silent.

Sallie was nearly beside herself. She gritted her teeth. "Fine, if you won't talk, I will."

She yanked a chair over, sat down opposite Jessica, and looked her up and down with a smug air.

"Don't say I'm not trying to help you out, as your sister-in-law. Just take a look at your attitude. There are women lined up from one end of Main Street to the other, all hoping to marry Timothy. You landing him was like winning the lottery. And you, of all people, acting so proud? My advice: apologize to Timothy and hold on to your marriage."

Even after that, Sallie couldn't let it go. "Think about it. You've got a wonderful husband, a bright, adorable son, and you live in this enormous house with a life most people only dream about. Are you really willing to throw all that away?"

meeting Sallie's haughty gaze.

married Timothy because she loved him—not for his

she couldn't speak, did that mean she deserved the

brow shot up in irritation. "What are you

message, then turned the screen for Sallie to

so wonderful-if

to her feet,

you, and this is what I get? Don't blame me if someone

out, but paused in the doorway to hurl one last parting

"You'll regret this,

knew she had to leave. She couldn't spend

she reached the front door,

Lawson said you're not allowed to leave the house," one said politely

around her suitcase

like she wasn't getting