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.

trapped her wrists, his grip iron-strong, his body pressing her

was nowhere to

flat against the door, the cool wood biting through her clothes, chilling her to the

was fierce, possessive, his heated breath mingling with hers, as if he wanted to consume

slid along her waist, his touch hot against her skin. Jessica's nerves sparked at his every movement, her body trembling out of her

Tears pricked at

couldn't speak. Her resistance, feeble against his strength,

face with both hands, he seemed

But then-crack.

open palm landed hard

his skin. Whatever desperate need had been burning inside him vanished in an

and

over her chest, her breath coming in shaky gasps.

suit jacket, looked every bit the composed man

trembled with unshed tears, her silent accusation hanging

Timothy's voice broke the silence, cold and flat. "What, I

the night

two of them. Who

now Jessica was asking for a divorce.

Her shirt was already missing buttons, torn by

at him, battered and furious, her movements sharp

a sneer curling