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

more. Once Jessica divorced Timothy and cut all ties, none

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

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

Herbert's office than he pulled Jessica

he 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 the medical

it felt like it was

Timothy-how could he do this to

arms tightened around Little Mute, desperate to protect her, but

free herself, until he finally

raised her hands, asking, "What's

were rimmed red.

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

PAGU

just

past-even though it hurt-was

alright. The medicine you had sent over helped a lot. I barely feel any pain

calmly sign those words, Herbert's voice dropped to a whisper. "Wait here for a moment. I

and fully

slipped from

bathroom, closed the door behind him, and

he'd been holding back poured

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