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But seeing how withdrawn and cold she was, he didn't push it.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

along

Timothy sign the divorce papers-so why

and Abell were quietly delighted to see Jessica return, though they had no idea what Timothy

she was back, maybe there was

you're finally home," Sandra said, beaming.

hope you

the

closer to Jessica-she

Timothy had put her through, they felt deeply awkward and didn't know how to face

for her part, was distant as ever. She

things were still there. Once inside, she locked

hurried over to Timothy. "How'd you convince her to

about it," he muttered, not wanting to explain.

clearly wanted the

wasn't offended. She

now 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 her

have my sister drive you," Timothy offered. The couple was elderly; he didn't like the idea of them traveling

turned to Sheila. "Are you coming home with us? If you are,

can't leave yet. I'm still learning from

developed between

he hadn't even told the Zimmerman family that Jessica

a card and handed it to Sheila. "Go buy yourself an apartment. It's

waved her off. "Mom, I'm

bought a place. I'm just staying here to keep you company Once you

my own apartment."

time, Timothy didn't try