Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince's smile faded as he strode over. "Sallie, why can't she come?"

Sallie shot him a sharp, icy glare. "Don't tell me you don't know she can't speak."

Vince's expression darkened. So what if Jessica was mute? It never made him think less of her-in fact, he admired her all the more for it.

A woman who couldn't utter a word, yet created paper cuttings so intricate and lifelike, clearly worked harder than most people ever would. He respected her deeply.

"Is it her fault she can't speak? Do you think she wanted this? Sallie, you've always been arrogant and overbearing, but even so, Jessica is your twin brother's wife. How can you talk about her like that?"

Vince was known for being smooth with people, but he never indulged Sallie's spoiled temper. That's why, ever since they were kids, every meeting between them ended in bickering.

Sallie let out a cold laugh, refusing to waste any more time arguing with him.

Everyone at the Zimmerman family's birthday gala tonight was from their own circle-family, old friends, and big names from politics and business. If word got out that Timothy had married a mute woman, it would be a stain on his reputation. Her gaze was mocking as she looked Jessica up and down. "You've got some nerve, getting Vince to stand up for you. And look at you-dressed like you're desperate for attention. Are you trying to embarrass Timothy? Just go home, will you? Stop making a spectacle of yourself."

face was edged with anger. "No wonder she

getting way too involved. She is mute-am I

She'd typed out a message and now showed

am divorcing Timothy. And please stop pestering me.

sacrificing her life for anyone

paper cuttings. Vince was willing to

and Sallie for her.

to hold on to

was determined to attend the

fuming. "You're not going home? Do you want everyone to know you're

"I'm divorcing

you're really not going back?