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.

lesser than anyone else. She'd always faced life with a quiet

slowly faded-replaced by nothing but

hand off,

despite the cast still strapped to his leg-he

overpower her for long. She pushed him away, struggling out of his embrace. Her hands moved rapidly, signing in irritation:

brow furrowed in

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

too late for

he said mattered to her

hadn't given them

was upstairs with Sheila, but he'd actually gone out to order

day, their son told the hospital staff

gone on a business

watching TV, saw them together

him, only for Sheila to answer while Timothy

should never have believed

City, caught in a thunderstorm, the only person she thought to call for help

plea for

come. Instead, he

get