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.

become a rising star in the business world-the heir to The

someone she

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

talent, and his striking good looks drew her in

and Timothy would ever cross paths again, but life has a way of

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

proud and aloof, who made every second count in pursuit of success-yet he'd noticed a terrified girl being bullied on

believed he had a

thugs, twelve years ago, had failed

to

give his wife's place to the woman he

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

it

want to drive that

couldn't do

even bring herself to kill a fish, let

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