Goodbye, Mr. Regret

After practicing for a while, she paused to sip some water, repeating the cycle for over half an hour.

When she saw the time, she gathered her things, ready to head to the hospital and meet Herbert to ask about the minimally invasive surgery. If it worked out, she could have the procedure done abroad.

Deep down, Jessica knew her condition was connected to her nervous system. If the damage couldn't be fully healed, it might be a long time before she could speak again.

She tidied up and stepped out the door-only to find someone standing there.

Her pupils narrowed in surprise.

Timothy was leaning against the wall, right by the elevator where the public trash bin stood, its cigarette stub tray overflowing with discarded butts. Even the air carried a faint, lingering scent of smoke.

Timothy, usually so put-together, had stubble shading his jaw.

He straightened, crossing the hallway with his long strides, his dark eyes gentle, his voice softer than she remembered. "Come home with me. I promise, what happened yesterday won't happen again."

Jessica turned away, refusing to meet his gaze-or listen to his words.

that just by waiting outside her door all night, she'd

she

But not anymore.

patient. "I've got it all planned out.

that she could make sounds again, she might've laughed right in

wanted a secret marriage, so there was a secret marriage; now he wanted a wedding, so there'd be a wedding?

was to control

a divorce. He knew

about to get divorced, and you think a wedding is

he reached into his suit pocket and

He took her hand.

grip just slightly. That's when he noticed

he said nothing, simply slipping

moment later, he

I'd have made sure you got treatment. Since Dr. Smith says there's a specialist abroad who