Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica wasn't anxious anymore.

She felt a vague sense of foreboding-Vince had warned her, and after all, she knew Timothy well enough herself.

Something might change today. Maybe the whole case would take an unexpected turn.

But what kind of twist, she still couldn't say.

The clock struck the hour for the hearing. The judge and jury filed in and took their seats.

After the court formally announced that Jessica was suing Timothy for divorce, Timothy's attorney immediately stood up.

To everyone's surprise, he requested a recess on medical grounds, presenting documents chronicling Timothy's recent car accident and injuries from the day before.

In that moment, Jessica suddenly understood Timothy's game.

Of course he wouldn't let her get away with a simple, clean break.

Vince had seen it coming-the outcome was no surprise. But Timothy's cunning was still astonishing.

He could have filed for recess beforehand, but he waited until court was in session.

First, he wanted to force Jessica to show up in person.

Second, he wanted her to see for herself that he had no intention of letting her go, and that he could block her path in countless ways.

He really was insane. Wasn't he afraid Jessica would call the police on him?

Just then, Jessica's phone buzzed with a message.

It was from an unfamiliar number.

Come outside after the hearing. I'm waiting for you at the courthouse entrance. You want to negotiate a divorce, right? I agree. Today I'll give you the answer you want.

The wording left no doubt-it was from Timothy.

Phelps, watching from across the room, looked apprehensive. The hearing had fallen apart, and he worried Jessica would be furious.

He made up his mind to intercept her before she left.

by Timothy's move. Was

couldn't even get angry

past, her desperation to end the marriage had been driven by her illness- time was

was still waiting for a donor match at the hospital, at least she could see a glimmer

She wasn't desperate

the police if

been through, she

ahead of her

could stall this time,

court would only grant him a delay

the result

no way she'd negotiate with Timothy

ever believe another

Never again.

whatever good will she once held for him, grinding it to

really pulled a dirty trick, but it's not a big deal. He isn't seriously

the

expected Jessica to stay so

wanted this divorce; with today's

her to

But she barely reacted.

that anger was

was exactly

angry only punished herself for

had to avoid stress at all

accepted Timothy's request and announced the case would resume

moment Timothy's lawyer filed for adjournment, Sheila

today would finally be the day Timothy and Jessica parted ways. She hadn't

Ha.

had fallen

now, he still refused to let her

of getting involved; she knew Timothy too well. He was the jealous type, and if she

cut her out without

second thought.

divorce, but Jessica wanted out-Sheila

the only one feeling the pressure