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 he trying to provoke Jessica into calling

found she couldn't even

time was running out,

a donor match at the hospital, at least

wasn't desperate anymore,

the police

been through, she was done putting

ahead of her

this time, but

court would only grant him a

outcome was the result

no way she'd negotiate with Timothy

she'd ever

Never again.

whatever good will she once

big deal. He isn't seriously ill, so the review won't be

the table, "Alright, I

Jessica to stay

much she wanted this

her to

But she barely reacted.

knew that anger

was exactly Timothy's

angry only punished herself for

her condition, she had to

announced the case would resume

lawyer filed for adjournment, Sheila

thought today would finally be the day Timothy and

Ha.

really had

he still refused to let

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

her

second thought.

Jessica wanted out-Sheila would just

one feeling the