Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Timothy, listen to me this is serious. If you don't get back soon, your wife is going to walk out on you!"

Timothy's long fingers curled slightly, dark eyes narrowing in the dim light. He was silent for a moment, then spoke in a slow, low voice. "She can't even speak. If she leaves me, where exactly is she going to go? Stop making a fuss about nothing."

"No, Timothy, you don't understand-she-"

"I'm busy. I don't have time for this. If you have something to say, save it until I get back."

He hung up without waiting for a response.

Sallie stared at the phone's dead screen, then threw it onto the couch in

frustration.

Useless-every last one of them.

Especially Jessica.

Timothy had already run off to see Sheila, and Jessica-what, she thought cozying up to some other man would make Timothy come crawling back? As if Timothy would care.

And Sheila... utterly shameless. Was she trying to ruin Timothy?

With a sigh, Sallie bent to pick up her phone and quickly booked a flight to Marisbright.

Their mother had died giving birth to her and Timothy, and their father, now remarried, had a new family-two kids with his new wife. He treated Sallie and Timothy decently enough, but it was obvious where his heart truly lay.

it came to Timothy, she couldn't just

Sallie's place, Jessica checked into a hotel. She took a long,

too hard a time, did she?] Herbert's message popped

[I'm fine.]

it. Sallie had always

screen as he typed, deleted,

long as you're okay. Try and

[Good night.]

her phone down

the door-and

Wasn't he supposed to be overseas?

there was no way he could

reached for her wrist, pulling her inside before closing

exhausted-there were shadows under his eyes-but his handsome features were as striking

practiced elegance. From the inside pocket of his suit jacket, he drew out the Voice Emitting Ring, holding it between his

face was calm, almost blank. She'd already

won't you keep it?" His voice was hoarse, tinged

turned her head away, refusing

and she tumbled into his arms. His familiar cologne surrounded her, woodsy

and warm, once her safest harbor. Now?