Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Last time, standing outside her apartment, she'd signed an avalanche of words at him.

He'd stayed the whole night, determined to finally clear the air between them.

But Henry's paper-cutting competition was about to start, and he'd had no choice but to leave.noveldrama

Now, here she was again, pouring her heart out in a torrent of sign language.

He finally understood-she'd only misunderstood him.

It wasn't that she didn't love him.

Overwhelmed, he pulled her into his arms with one swift motion, holding her tightly.

"Let go."

Jessica shoved him away with all her strength. She hated him-hated the way he threatened the people around her.

Divorce was supposed to be just between the two of them, but he always dragged others into it.

"Nora, you've got it wrong. It's not what you think."

"Timothy, don't even try. I'm not going to believe you."

Jessica turned away from him, refusing to meet his eyes.

"I really meant it when I promised to make up your birthday. I stayed up all night, planning to come back early the next day. Henry was just making things up-you can ask him yourself. Sheila wasn't with me; she went ahead to attend Ines's comic convention."

"Enough."

All these explanations felt hollow and pointless.

If it weren't for their own son blurting it out, she'd never have known Sheila had gone to Capital City with him.

She'd even considered using the voice ring he'd given her that day, but when she called using Mabel's phone, it was Sheila who answered.

They were sharing a room.

"Nora..."

Timothy tried to go on, but Jessica spun around, glaring at him. "I said stop talking. Don't you understand? We're past the point of explanations. Our marriage is over-broken beyond repair. I married you because I loved you. I want a divorce because I don't love you anymore. Even if you gave me a convincing reason for everything, I could never love you again. What's the point of staying in a loveless marriage?"

Her heart, battered to pieces by him and their son, would never heal.

He'd never understand how cruel it was for her to see him, Sheila, and Henry walking together like a perfect family.

"I don't believe you," Timothy's voice was raw. "How could you not love me? Seven years of marriage-don't you think I'd know if you did?"

So, he'd always known she loved him.

And still, he'd hurt her, the one who'd always been at a disadvantage.

Jessica looked at him, her smile shattered and fragile.

Timothy's chest tightened painfully. "Nora, can we stop fighting? No more arguments, please. Sheila's just family to me-I thought you'd understand that. If it bothers you, I'll keep my distance."

"I don't care anymore. Do whatever you want with her. Move her into The Gilded Whisper Estates, eat together, sleep together-it doesn't matter to me."

"Jessica!" Timothy's hands clenched, veins standing out across his knuckles and forehead. "Do you realize what you're saying?"

"What am I saying? Just the truth, Mr. Lawson. Stop pretending-no one's buying

it."

Mr. Lawson?

Heh.

She could speak now. She could call him by his name.

Moments ago, she'd called him Timothy. Now, it was just Mr. Lawson.

"In such a hurry to cut ties with me?"

"That's right."

She didn't hesitate her answer sharp and decisive.

Those two words landed like stones in the still waters of Timothy's heart.

"You weren't like this before,"

Timothy said, unable to keep then et

irritation from his voice. "Ever since

Herbert Wheeler showed up

You've

change

Vince had mentioned it

ket

twiceert liked Jessica, but the

guy always kept things appropriate. Timothy knew firsthand that nothing had happened between them.

But he couldn't help himself.

Jessica had never had another man around her just him and their son. Now,

with more people orbiting her, she was different.

"A marriage rots from the inside

first. Stop blaming everyone

this has nothing to do with thehet

Go want to talk to you anymore.

Get out."

Timothy felt lost. He'd come here to invite her out for Christmas Eve.

Somehow, everything had gone wrong.

No matter what he suggested, she refused.

If he pushed any further, he'd only make things worse.

He left, not wanting to upset her again.

She wasn't giving him the slightest chance.

He'd barely stepped out when Henry's call came through.

"Dad, it's Christmas Eve. Do you want to take me out tonight?"

Jessica wouldn't go anywhere. What fun could he and Henry possibly have together?

Thinking of what Jessica had said earlier, Timothy replied, "I'll pick you up after school."

"No need. Miss Sheila already promised to get me."

A sudden wave of anger hit Timothy. "Don't you have a mom? Why do you always ask her? Can't you call your mother to pick you up?"

Henry's voice was small and hurt. "She hasn't talked to me in ages. Do you really think she'd come if I asked?"

Timothy ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. Once, he and Henry had been Jessica's whole world.

She had no family—an orphan. They were the only home she'd ever had.