Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 24

"She's my aunt. Anyone who dares to print a single lie-be ready to disappear from Riverside City."

His voice was cold and commanding, every word laced with warning.

No one dared question him.

The reporters all knew exactly what Timothy's words meant.

His intimidating presence parted the crowd; journalists scrambled to clear a path.

Jessica stared at the large screen overhead, watching as her husband shielded Sheila.

Aunt.

What a perfectly convenient excuse.

The photographers knew what they were doing, too. They managed to capture Timothy, their son, and Sheila in a way that made them look every bit the perfect family.

Like a genuine family of three.

Herbert noticed Jessica's gaze fixed on the screen. "Little Mute?" he called.

Jessica turned her head, her eyes tinged with a faint, rosy hue.

Herbert glanced again at the screen. "You know Timothy?"

Timothy's reputation clearly preceded him-Herbert had spent years abroad, yet even he knew the name.

smiled bitterly and

he's my husband, would

pupils widened in

question, he could almost be

never one for lies or jokes-certainly not about

with a son. But the wife

had it Timothy

up his business before coming back home, he'd sent people to inquire about Jessica. For seven years, there was nothing-no

no news, Timothy finally returned to his hometown, hoping for a chance

never expected to actually

And she'd married.

Married Timothy.

hand tightened in his

gave an awkward smile and signed

never

if he did, it would have to stay

knew she

the world, who would believe

signed the marriage certificate, Timothy had insisted-no,

would remain a

reveal she was Mrs.

now, it was clear her marriage

to touch

Didn't you say you'd buy me dinner? I'm starving. Let's not waste time

asked if he'd eaten. When he said

and the two of