Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"For this one-month cooling-off period, you'll stay at home. I won't interfere with your work or restrict your freedom. Just remember, until we're officially divorced, you're still my wife-so don't embarrass me."

Jessica managed a weary smile.

"All right. Let's get it over with."

She finished signing, walked with Timothy out to his car.

"Jessy."

Vince called after her.

She paused for the briefest moment, but in the end, climbed into Timothy's car without a word.

Jessica stayed silent the entire drive.

At the courthouse, the divorce registration went smoothly.

Originally, Timothy had hoped Jessica would at least pretend for a month that their marriage was intact.

But seeing how withdrawn and cold she was, he didn't push it. Just having her come home felt like a small miracle-he'd settle for that, for now.

The agreement lay ready-drafted by Timothy, in the same way he'd tricked her into coming home last time.

Everything Jessica was owed, Timothy included.

Jessica had no interest in the details; she didn't want any more trouble or delays. She simply signed her name on Timothy's contract.

She didn't make a scene. After leaving the courthouse, she went back to The Gilded Whisper Estates with Timothy.

and Abell, along with Sheila, were

Timothy sign the divorce papers-so

and Abell were quietly delighted to see Jessica return, though they had

back, maybe there was

you're finally home," Sandra said,

hope you

in, polite for the

closer to Jessica-she was, after all,

her through, they felt deeply awkward

part, was distant as ever. She went straight to

things were still there. Once inside, she locked

hurried over to Timothy. "How'd you convince

not wanting to explain.

the house to

offended.

that you've brought her back, try to treat her a little better. Looks like you two are in for a long cold war-thanks to you, we're all on

was elderly; he

to Sheila. "Are you coming home with us? If you are, we can all go together-no need to trouble

leave yet. I'm still learning from Ines, and I haven't finished my

had no intention of leaving-she wanted to keep an eye on how things developed between

even told the Zimmerman family that Jessica was

handed it to Sheila. "Go buy yourself an apartment.

off.

I'm just staying here to keep you company Once you head home, I'll

my own apartment."

didn't try