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,

was nowhere

door, the cool wood biting

with hers,

Jessica's nerves sparked

Tears

speak. Her resistance, feeble against

Timothy's face with both hands, he seemed

But then-crack.

palm landed hard against

to the side, a few pale fingerprints blooming on his skin. Whatever desperate need had been burning inside him vanished in an instant,

reached out and flicked

arms over her chest, her breath coming in shaky

looked every

unshed tears, her silent accusation hanging heavy in

voice broke the silence, cold and

spent the

Just the two of them.

was asking for a divorce. How could he expect her to stay

him after that? Her shirt was already missing buttons, torn by

sharp as she signed angrily,

sneer curling