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.

cared

say anything more. Once Jessica divorced Timothy and cut

away from Riverside City, and he finally had time to help with her treatment. If he could

for a thorough examination, the results confirmed their fears -her throat had been injured by force, and

had they returned to Herbert's office than he pulled

hadn't seen the bruises on her cheek and the split at the corner of her lips, he might never have known what she'd truly endured, even after reading

it felt like it

could he do this

desperate to protect her, but inadvertently causing

free herself, until he

raised her hands, asking, "What's

were rimmed red.

it off, mumbling, "Your throat's so inflamed-I can't stand

PAGU

just smiled

breaking free from the past-even

helped a lot. I barely feel any pain

a whisper. "Wait here for a moment. I need to

office was spacious and fully equipped, with a private bathroom

turned away, tears slipped from the corners

into the bathroom, closed the door behind him, and

tears he'd been holding back poured down,

pounded it against his chest, as if trying to stop his