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

say anything more. Once Jessica divorced Timothy and cut all ties,

now was helping her recover her voice. It was rare to get her away from Riverside City, and he finally had time to help with her treatment. If he could schedule the minimally invasive surgery soon, it would be a huge step

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

to Herbert's office than he pulled Jessica into

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

so badly it felt

Timothy-how could he do this to

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

until

hands, asking, "What's

were rimmed

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

PAGU

just smiled

past-even

over helped

voice dropped to a whisper.

was spacious and fully equipped, with a private

away, tears slipped from the corners

bathroom, closed the door

shut, the tears he'd been holding back poured down, streaming over his

chest, as if trying to stop his heart from suffocating