Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy shoved Jessica into the car, then stood squarely in front of the door, blocking any escape. His gaze was icy as he stared down Mr. Smith and Ines, his lips curling into a cold, measured smile. “I appreciate your eye for talent," he said, "but my woman doesn't need to hustle around for a job. Starting today, I want you both to stop asking her to work for you."

Even with the car door shut, Jessica could hear Timothy's voice as clear as day. She pushed hard against the door, but it wouldn't budge. Frustrated, she pounded on the window, but Timothy didn't so much as flinch.

Mr. Smith frowned. "Tim, if you don't want her working overseas, I can just give her the script. She can work on the project here if she'd like—I really do need her..."

Timothy cut him off, his tone unyielding. "What matters more to you your film, or the fact that she wants a divorce?"

There was no room for compromise in his voice.

Everyone knew they were still married, and Timothy clearly had no intention of letting go. Things had gotten messy, and even though Jessica claimed the divorce wasn't about this, Ines couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.

With Timothy clearly angry, Mr. Smith didn't press the matter. Neither of them truly understood what Jessica was going through; to them, this was just another marital spat, and as outsiders, they knew better than to interfere.

they could do was watch helplessly as Timothy drove

the passenger seat, powerless to resist. She fell silent, her face

mirror, irritation roiling in his

Jessica's door, and said, steady and even, "I don't want

Jessica didn't move.

you cooperate, I'll

climbed out of the car and

her sanctuary-the place she'd poured all her hopes for love and family into. But after just

into the living room and settled onto the couch, gesturing for her to

forced herself to appear calm before taking a