Goodbye, Mr. Regret

[There's been a bit of an incident. I won't be able to come over for a while- probably a month or so.]

Herbert stared at Jessica's message, instantly suspecting Timothy was behind this, using some trick or another.

[Did he force you?]

[No. It was a peaceful divorce. We've already signed the papers at city hall, but there's a mandatory waiting period-one month.]

Jessica didn't elaborate beyond that.

Even with the waiting period, if Jessica wanted to leave the country, she could. The fact that she hadn't meant only one thing: Timothy must be holding something over her, something she couldn't risk.

But now that the divorce was filed, Herbert didn't feel like he had any right to pry further. She hadn't received the final papers yet, and if he kept asking, it would only look like he was overstepping.

[If leaving isn't convenient, then at least take care of yourself while you're still here. Remember to do your rehab exercises every day. If you run into any problems, contact me anytime.]

[Okay.]

Meanwhile, Timothy was on the phone with Mr. Smith.

He started by telling Mr. Smith not to pressure Jessica about leaving the country-

she wouldn't be going abroad for at least a month. Then he got to the point: "Didn't you mention a specialist overseas, someone who could treat aphasia? Give me his contact information."

Yesterday afternoon, Jessica had managed to make a sound, but it was a struggle. Today, she was still relying on sign language. Clearly, she still couldn't speak normally. Timothy knew he needed to find a doctor for her.

"Well..."

Mr. Smith hesitated.

"I'm just asking you to recommend a doctor. Why are you being so cagey?"

isn't someone you can just

it's about money,

money.

you Westerners were supposed to be straightforward. Since when did you become

from you," Mr. Smith shot back, half-joking. "Seriously, Timothy, don't ask me about this anymore. I have my reasons. Try another way, all right? In any case, don't worry too much. Your wife's aphasia can be treated. Just don't overthink

some comfort, Mr. Smith's words

the doctor's name. Just

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Herbert."

phone almost slipped

straight with you-he's been treating Jessica's aphasia for some time. Back when he was at Aetherion, he spent seven years in the lab, specializing in

echoed in Timothy's mind: Seven

Herbert had come

was already

he hadn't known a

hadn't accidentally made a sound yesterday, would

the dark even when she finally

indefinable emotion welled up in Timothy's

voice? And what else had she endured, that

things from when they were five or

else had she been through

unable to speak. Before marrying him, her life must have been incredibly

his phone again

up everything you can on my

ending the call, Timothy

a few times in business and exchanged numbers, but they weren't