Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Easy now, don't make a fuss. Tonight, I'll give you what you want, alright?"

It was rare for Timothy to take the time to coax her like this.

He hoped she would realize her mistake and behave herself.

A little sulking now and then-he could tolerate that.

His breath brushed against her ear, his voice low and coaxing.

Jessica felt like she was losing her mind.

What had she done to make him think she was desperate for him?

She reached out, pressing her palm firmly against Timothy's chest.

He straightened up, his dark eyes fixed on her. The gentle, refined look from moments ago had clouded over, replaced by something far more somber.

Jessica glared at him, her hands moving swiftly in sign language: *"I don't want this. Stop forcing things. If you keep pushing, what happened last time will happen again."*

She couldn't have made her feelings any clearer.

He hadn't caught him cheating-at least, not physically.

But emotionally, that betrayal was just as real to her and just as unforgivable.

his loving wife anymore,

of anger twisted

type to lose his temper easily, but lately, she'd pushed him to the edge more than once. Not all of it was her

back, he realized he'd spoiled her over the years, letting

He was done negotiating.

take them to bed,

the last time, when

careful. He wouldn't let her get hurt again.

pressed his mouth to hers,

was absolute. He overpowered her, holding her jaw, controlling her every movement, stopping her from

Jessica's wide, beautiful eyes, soaking

Timothy froze.

redness

lashes were dark and wet, tiny droplets clinging to them. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips trembling, her gaze fractured and vulnerable—so heartbreakingly delicate that it tugged at

cheek with the back

are you crying? Did I hurt

so hard she thought her teeth

couldn't speak, couldn't shout-she was mute, her voice

she wanted to scream stuck in her throat,

slowly: *"Timothy, can you please stop?"*

lifting her