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But seeing how withdrawn and cold she was, he didn't push it.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.

Abell, along with

the divorce papers-so why was Jessica coming

delighted to see Jessica return, though they had no idea what Timothy had done to

if she was back,

home," Sandra said, beaming.

all hope you two

in, polite for the

get closer to Jessica-she was,

everything Timothy had put her through, they felt deeply

for her part, was distant as ever. She

her things were still there. Once inside, she locked the

Timothy. "How'd

wanting to explain.

wanted the house to

wasn't offended. She

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 her blacklist. She probably doesn't Want to spend time with us so we'll just

you," Timothy offered. The couple was elderly; he

home with us? If you are,

from Ines, and I

developed between Timothy and Jessica. If

hadn't even told the Zimmerman family

"Go buy yourself an apartment. It's not really appropriate to stay here

her off. "Mom, I'm

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

my own apartment."

time, Timothy didn't try