Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy didn't lay a hand on her.

Maybe all he wanted was to scare Little Mute into going back.

Jessica signed, "You're getting better every day, you know. I'm honestly so proud

of you."

But Herbert couldn't share in her happiness-not with the Wheeler family

breathing down his neck. He was still under their thumb.

Little Mute refused to drag him into her troubles. He couldn't protect her openly,

not when it would only make things worse for her.

He forced a wry smile. "I'm not nearly as impressive as you think I am."

“To me, you're already wonderful,” Jessica signed softly, her gestures full of warmth. "Don't overthink any of this. I understand."

She was well aware of the real reason behind everything. Timothy's actions were cruel in ways words couldn't express.

Using the Wheeler Group to threaten Herbert had left him cornered. In a world defined by competition and pride, no man wanted to feel bested by another. If it hadn't been for his desire to help her, none of this mess would even exist.

They'd known each other since childhood. To have things come to this, right in front of her, would surely bruise his pride.

never cared about things

didn't say anything more. Once Jessica divorced Timothy and cut all

her away from Riverside City, and he finally had time to

Herbert took her for a thorough examination, the results confirmed their fears -her throat

to Herbert's office

and the split at the corner of her lips, he might never have known what she'd truly endured, even after

heart ached so badly it

monster Timothy-how could he

desperate to protect her,

trying to free herself, until he

her hands, asking,

eyes were rimmed

"Your throat's so inflamed-I can't stand knowing you've been in pain for

PAGU

Jessica just smiled

her, breaking free from the past-even though it hurt-was

The medicine you had sent over helped a lot. I barely

to a whisper. "Wait

was spacious and fully equipped,

turned away, tears slipped from the corners of his

door behind him, and leaned back

shut, the tears he'd been holding

it against his chest, as if trying to