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.

Timothy's move. Was he trying to

found she couldn't even get

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

donor match at the hospital, at

hands. She wasn't desperate anymore, and she

call the police

everything she'd been through, she was done putting

of

this time, but what about

court would only grant him

the result of

no way she'd negotiate

ever

Never again.

whatever good will she once

big deal. He isn't seriously ill, so

beneath the table, "Alright, I

Jessica to stay

wanted this divorce; with today's setback, anyone

her

But she barely reacted.

that anger

was exactly Timothy's

punished herself

she had to

announced the

adjournment,

the day Timothy and

Ha.

really had fallen

he still refused to let

Sheila had no intention of getting involved; she knew Timothy too well. He

her out without

second thought.

but Jessica wanted out-Sheila would

one