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But seeing how withdrawn and cold she was, he didn't push it.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

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

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

she was back, maybe there was

you're finally home," Sandra said, beaming. "Timothy's been so

all hope you

the benefit of Jessica's

closer to Jessica-she

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

part, was distant as ever. She went straight

were still there. Once

Timothy. "How'd you convince her to

he muttered, not wanting to explain.

the house

offended. She

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

was elderly; he didn't like the idea of

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

can't leave yet. I'm still learning from Ines, and I

things developed between Timothy and Jessica. If she left now, she'd be out of the

he hadn't even told the Zimmerman

out a card and handed it to Sheila. "Go buy yourself

off.

already bought a place. I'm just staying here to keep you company Once you head home,

my own apartment."

Timothy didn't try to make anyone