Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica opened the door and stepped out.

Timothy was on the phone. The moment he saw her, he ended the call without hesitation.

"Changed your mind?" he asked.

"I'll agree to stay here for a week," Jessica replied, her voice steady. "But I want my bag back."

He'd told her that as long as she stayed with him for this one week, she could do whatever she wanted. Only when she left this island would she have a real

chance to get away.

Timothy said nothing.

She had to press on. "You can keep my ID and passport if you're that paranoid. But I need my bag. Give it back."

Timothy didn't answer. Instead, he walked to the dressing room and came out carrying a brand-new designer bag.

"If you want to carry a bag, I bought you a new one."

Jessica stared at the bag in his hand, its price tag probably enough to buy a small house, her brow furrowing in frustration.

She reached out and took it.

That seemed to please Timothy, a faint smile touching his lips.

In the next instant, she hurled the bag at his chest, her anger barely contained.

"I want my bag. Can't you understand? If you expect me to spend this week with you without losing my mind, then do as I say!"

She was on the verge of breaking down.

How could she have fallen in love with a man like this?

Learning that he'd almost married Sheila, that Sheila was the one he truly loved- those revelations had cut her deeply, but even then, she'd never lost control like this.

For seven years, she'd willingly trapped herself in this love, giving him her whole life.

But now, being manipulated like this, she was coming apart at the seams.

She couldn't calm herself. Despair burned in her eyes as she glared at him. "Do you realize I could die?"

Tears welled up, stinging her eyes, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall.

Her emotions were rawer than ever, and Timothy felt as if an invisible rope was tightening around his heart.

what she meant

"I didn't bring your bag. How about I buy you

Jessica felt hollow, defeated.

at the man before her-so handsome, so tall, his air of refinement so out of reach. All his virtues belonged to others, outsiders.

understood a single

want another bag. She wanted her

there was something she needed-something

shook her head, slowly backing

when pain reached its limit, tears wouldn't

pain reached its limit, all she

near-broken state sent Timothy into

shoulders, pulling her into his

"Jessy, don't scare me."

hands were warm as he stroked her back,

your bag, I'll send someone to get it

How laughable.

send someone else than let her leave, even

Jessica shoved him away.

want

"Timothy."

stay with you

to go, I'll

you want, I'll

fight. I won't

lovely eyes were empty now, stripped

Seven years, or forever.

know yet-why

running out for

given a death sentence-only

If she

heat she could be

Lovelet

new her would have

She agreed.

taken a night for her to

joy,

was as if the threads of his veins were being pulled

cut into flesh.

remain calm, pushing down the fear clawing at

she stayed, that was

decided to