Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy's deep, husky voice was laced with a sensual magnetism, every word coaxing and dangerously inviting. It was the kind of voice that could pull you under if you weren't careful.

Jessica froze for a second, caught off guard by the way his tone seemed to wrap around her. But she snapped out of it quickly, her resolve hardening.

With a firm gesture, she made herself clear. "I want nothing but my own money."

Timothy didn't get angry. What had happened last night at the Red House still lingered in his mind as a source of guilt. He had to admit-he'd neglected her for years. If she was upset, if she wanted to make a scene, he could hardly blame her.

He gave a soft, almost self-deprecating smile. "If you only care about your money, then what were these past seven years for? Don't be silly. Be good, alright?"

Seven years. Seven wasted years. Did he really think she'd sign on for seven more?

Sorry.

She was fresh out.

All she had left was six months.

And for these last six months, she was going to live for herself.

"It doesn't matter anymore."

Watching her hands as she signed, Timothy's lips pressed into a thin, hard line. The warmth in his voice faded, replaced by something heavier. "So you've really decided to leave your husband and child behind?"

Jessica nodded without hesitation.

long, unsteady breath, his

what he was thinking. She didn't want to

a long silence,

not once since she'd started demanding

him a lengthy answer. Her hands moved, her expression cool and distant.

the same old routine, day in and day out. Tired of waiting-hopelessly for

child, all of it. She was

gaze grew even

She was tired.

itch,

realize," he said, quiet but unmistakably threatening, "if I don't agree, you wouldn't just have trouble with the divorce-you

was Timothy: even his threats

But she wasn't giving up. There was always a way

Why don't we use this month-give us one more chance? If you still want a divorce in

paused, eyes narrowing

reading the room, knowing exactly what to say to tip the scales in his favor. He laid out the terms so logically that

go up against Timothy, not in the short term. His suggestion was

businessman-cunning, calculating. She had

month?" Her gestures softened, a