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But seeing how withdrawn and cold she was, he didn't push it.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

She'd just seen Timothy sign the divorce papers-so why

they

was back,

said,

all hope you two can work things

the

and Abell wanted to get closer to Jessica-she was, after

put her through, they felt deeply awkward

was distant as ever. She went straight to the master

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

over to Timothy. "How'd you convince her

it," he muttered, not wanting to explain.

wanted the house to

offended.

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

The couple was elderly;

coming home with us? If you are, we can all go

learning from Ines, and I haven't

wanted to keep an eye on how things developed between Timothy

as ever; he hadn't even told the Zimmerman family that Jessica was actually Vince's

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

her off. "Mom,

just staying here to keep you

my own apartment."

time, Timothy didn't try to make