Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica's hand shook uncontrollably as she gripped the paring knife.

The man beside her slept deeply, completely unaware.

She couldn't bring herself to lower the blade.

At sixteen, she'd been accepted by recommendation into Riverside Media Institute, arriving in a city where everything felt unfamiliar.

Though Ines supported her and helped her secure a scholarship, Jessica refused to be a burden. At night, she'd set up a small stall in the park, selling paper-cut art for a bit of money.

One night, business was slow and she stayed out later than usual, only to be cornered by a group of thugs who nearly assaulted her.

She couldn't speak, not even to cry out for help, but Timothy-passing by— noticed something was wrong and intervened.

He chased off the gang and called the police, who soon dragged the troublemakers away.

All these years, she'd never forgotten the way he appeared beneath the streetlight, almost otherworldly, bringing with him a kind of awe she'd never known.

At the peak of her despair, when she'd nearly given up on life, Timothy had given her a reason to hope again.

He'd wrapped her trembling, filthy body in his suit jacket and personally walked her back to campus.

From that night on, he'd lived in her heart.

eighteen, he'd already graduated college and become a rising star in the business

he was someone she could

yet, she'd fallen helplessly in love with him, quietly

brilliance, his talent, and his striking good looks drew her in deeper

paths again, but life has a way of throwing the

and he'd always been so distant. Still, she believed he was different

man of his stature, proud and aloof, who made every second count in pursuit of success-yet he'd noticed a terrified girl being bullied on the street and had the kindness to step in, even escorting her safely

believed he had a

done what those thugs, twelve years ago,

she supposed to go

give his wife's

wanted a divorce-such a small wish-yet he refused to

had it come

Jessica really did want to drive that knife into his

couldn't

herself to kill a fish, let alone

back the pain that felt like it was tearing her heart to pieces, she choked back