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.

rising star in the business world-the heir to The Lawson Group, with patents and accolades

he was someone she could

him, quietly

looks drew her in deeper

she and Timothy would ever cross paths again, but life has

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

second count in pursuit of success-yet he'd noticed a terrified girl being

he had a good

what those thugs, twelve years ago,

was she supposed to go

to leave him, to give his wife's place to

only wanted a divorce-such a small

it come

a moment, Jessica really did want to

couldn't

bring herself to kill a fish, let alone

it was tearing her heart to pieces, she choked back a sob and withdrew the knife from where it nearly touched his