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.

TV. At just eighteen, he'd already graduated college and become a rising star in the business world-the heir

someone she

fallen helplessly in love with him, quietly following every bit of news

looks drew her in deeper with

again, but life has a way of throwing

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

pursuit of success-yet he'd noticed a terrified girl

he had a

last night, he'd done what those thugs, twelve years

to

him, to give his wife's place to the woman he

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

had it

Jessica really did want to drive

she couldn't

bring herself to kill a fish, let alone stab a

she choked back a sob and withdrew the knife from where it nearly touched