Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Mabel only meant well-she genuinely hoped to see Jessica and Timothy reconcile, to watch the tension between husband and wife finally ease.

Jessica typed out a message.

"If he calls again, just tell him I've been busy lately."

Mabel stared at Jessica in surprise. The woman before her seemed... different. She wasn't as concerned about her husband or her son anymore. What was she supposed to do with that? She was only the housekeeper-family affairs between husband and wife were far above her pay grade. She kept her thoughts to herself and went back to cleaning.

After dinner, Jessica retreated to her room to rest. Yet as she replayed the words Mabel would pass along, her heart-numb for so long-still ached with a dull, familiar pain.

Having wedding photos taken was supposed to be a milestone for a married couple. If Timothy actually cared, the three of them-husband, wife, and child— would have gone together. Instead, he chased Sheila overseas and only then bothered to inform Jessica to join them.

She knew how busy he was. His schedule was planned out months in advance. But for Sheila, he could upend everything at a moment's notice.

If he had a gap in his calendar, he'd squeeze Jessica in for a quick photo shoot on the side. In his mind, she was just the convenient, accommodating wife-grateful for whatever crumbs of attention he tossed her way.

Jessica dared not imagine what a sad joke she must be in his eyes.

came looking for her, the only conversation

and stepped

abroad? That's wonderful! Yes, that's what she should do. Mabel couldn't help but smile, quietly wishing Jessica the best-that maybe, just maybe,

after Jessica

"Has she left yet?"

"Yes, she's already out the

the train back

text from an

number? Send me the details, I'll

really was something-so sure she'd come running whenever he called, like she always used

Not anymore.

switched her phone to airplane

she walked in, she noticed the diamond necklace lying on the floor and quickly picked it up. She found a clean cloth

hidden in