Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Enough!" Sandra's voice rang out, sharp and commanding, as she turned on Sallie. "You're her older sister-how can you say things like that? They're husband and wife, and they're equals. She can't speak, so as her sister, shouldn't you be protecting her? Standing up for her?"

“Grandma, I...” Sallie faltered, caught off guard by the rebuke. "Forget it. I won't say anything else."

Timothy's eyes darkened. He looked up at Sallie, his tone cold. "How many times have I warned you about this? Why can't you just let it go?"

Sallie's cheeks flushed with frustration. First her grandmother, now Timothy- everyone seemed to be piling on her. Unable to sit still any longer, she shot to her feet. "Fine! I'll go to my room. I won't bother any of you."

With that, Sallie stormed off.

She'd always thought Jessica was nothing but a mute, not nearly good enough for Timothy. That was the real issue-nothing else mattered. As the eldest daughter of the Lawson family, she'd seen every luxury there was. Even when Sandra had gifted Jessica the Royal Pearl Cuff, she hadn't felt the slightest envy.

After Sallie left, Sandra's gaze softened. She reached over and patted Jessica's hand gently. "No wonder you want a divorce, sweetheart. If Sallie's always spoken to you like this, I can see why you'd feel hurt. Don't worry, I'll make sure to set her straight. She won't dare treat you this way again."

Jessica slipped her hand from Sandra's, then quietly typed out a message on her phone:

"Sandra, my decision to divorce Timothy isn't just about this. There's no way back for us, not anymore. I appreciate your kindness, truly, but my mind is made up. I have other things I need to take care of today, so I'll be going now."

She showed Sandra the message, then stood up. Out of respect for her elders, she gave a polite bow to both Sandra and Abell before turning to leave.

way you two can work this out? Does it really have to end in

concern etched into his face. "She's right. Let's talk this through. Your daughter is

After all, she'd only seen her daughter once, and even then, the family had looked

brief, indifferent smile, then looked over at Timothy. She typed out another message and handed the phone

doesn't want to discuss further. If you have questions,

more to say, Jessica

turned white. His lips pressed into a thin, bloodless line He couldn't believe how resolute she was

his motorized wheelchair after her and caught up as she was about to get into the car. Reaching

hand, his

full

if he couldn't bear

let her go.

Sandra and Abell, watched the scene play

began,

gently pried his