Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 44

Jessica stepped out of Herbert's car.

Herbert got out as well, slipping his hands into the pockets of his trench coat. He watched her go, his expression soft, his gaze lingering as she walked toward the house.

She'd barely taken a few steps when his voice called out, quiet but clear. "Little Mute."

Jessica turned back.

Herbert's lips parted, as if he'd meant to say something else, but he simply said, "Goodnight."

Jessica smiled and signed goodnight in sign language.

Herbert stood there, motionless, watching until she disappeared inside.

Upstairs, Timothy pinched his cigarette between his fingers, snapping it in half. The glowing tip scattered sparks onto the floor. He turned off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness.

Ding-

Jessica keyed in her code. The door swung open. She hadn't even reached for the light switch when strong arms swept her inside, pinning her against the door as someone's lips crashed onto hers.

A faint scent of tobacco, edged with cedar, filled her senses.

It took only a moment for her to realize it was Timothy.

he'd already trapped her wrists, his grip iron-strong, his body pressing

nowhere to

the cool wood biting through her

fierce, possessive, his heated breath mingling with hers, as if

hot against her skin. Jessica's nerves sparked at his

up. Tears pricked

feeble against his

cup Timothy's face with both hands, he

But then-crack.

open palm landed hard against

the side, a few pale fingerprints blooming on his skin. Whatever desperate need had

and flicked

arms over her chest, her breath coming in shaky gasps. Her tear-filled eyes

disarray-while Timothy, save for some wrinkles in his suit jacket, looked every bit the composed man

with unshed tears, her silent accusation hanging heavy

broke the silence, cold and flat.

the night

two of them. Who knew what had

asking for a divorce. How could he expect her to

was

at him, battered and furious, her movements sharp as she signed

narrowed, a sneer curling