Goodbye, Mr. Regret

After a long moment's hesitation, Timothy finally let his hand fall to his side.

He sat quietly by the doorway, unmoving.

Even now, the results of today's paternity test left his mind in turmoil, refusing to settle.

The first time Vince had ever mentioned the soft pink heart-shaped birthmark on Salome's chest, Timothy's thoughts had flown straight to Jessica. Still, he hadn't taken it seriously. It seemed far too unlikely.

If only he'd gone ahead and done the paternity test back then-would things have turned out differently?

Jessica came out carrying a trash bag, intending to toss it out. The moment she opened the door, she found Timothy sitting right there on her doorstep.

Her brows creased; irritation flickered across her face.

He was impossible. He'd followed her here, again.

Jessica ignored him, dumped the trash in the communal bin outside, and turned back toward her apartment. As she reached for the doorknob, Timothy grabbed her wrist.

"Jessy."

His eyes were locked on her, refusing to let go.

These days, her face was devoid of smiles. Those beautiful eyes and delicate features had lost all their warmth.

But they'd been married for seven years. For so long, she'd always greeted him with laughter and gentle looks.

let being mute make her feel lesser than anyone else. She'd always

had slowly

his hand off,

pulled her into his arms, tugging her closer despite the cast still strapped to

struggling out of

brow furrowed

don't want to fight. Can't we just sit down

too late for

said mattered to

hadn't given them both enough

to order her a cake,

son told the hospital staff

gone on a

saw them together and

for Sheila to answer while Timothy

never have believed

Capital City, caught in a thunderstorm, the only person she thought to

heard her plea for help,

Instead, he

get