Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Ever since Sheila came into the picture, Jessica realized she never truly knew Timothy at all.

All this time, she'd only scratched the surface.

They were married-legally, on paper.

But that marriage certificate, that supposed shield for her rights, was nothing more than a scrap of paper. Worse, it had become a shackle, keeping her from walking away.

He never saw her as a wife.

Yet she'd deluded herself, sinking into this marriage for seven long years, moved only by her own wishful thinking.

Timothy's voice was sharp with anger. "Eighteen million, four hundred thousand! Even a fraction of that would take most people a decade to earn, Jessica. What are you even complaining about? Isn't this life good enough for you? Hm?"

Jessica's throat tightened until she could barely breathe.

She had nothing left to say; honestly, she was never good with words anyway.

She turned to leave.

Suddenly, Timothy's arms wrapped around her waist from behind, his touch tracing the curve of her hips. His voice softened, coaxing, "Alright, I don't want to fight. Isn't all this drama just because you want a little more attention from me?"

He rested his chin in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent, his tone husky. "Fine. I'll give you what you want. I'll come home more often, keep you company. Be good, alright? No more drama."

was pointless-she never fought back with words, and he'd always end up furious, alone. It was

it to her coat, then gently turned her to face him. One hand cupped her cheek, his

suits you," he

at a

to remove the brooch, but before she could, Timothy caught her

her, she didn't

her into

suite; the bedroom alone was over two thousand square feet,

the sofa, still holding Jessica

her captive. "I remember you wanted to talk with me— never did, though. I've got time now.

exactly, he'd done to deserve all

longer

What was the point?

was just her imagination, some

an eye, he'd flown off

on the secret, hiding

husband's heart was with

son resented her muteness, wanted Sheila to be his mom, and even told the