Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 69

Mabel only meant well-she genuinely hoped to see Jessica and Timothy reconcile, to watch the tension between husband and wife finally ease.

Jessica typed out a message.

"If he calls again, just tell him I've been busy lately."

Mabel stared at Jessica in surprise. The woman before her seemed... different. She wasn't as concerned about her husband or her son anymore. What was she supposed to do with that? She was only the housekeeper-family affairs between husband and wife were far above her pay grade. She kept her thoughts to herself and went back to cleaning.

After dinner, Jessica retreated to her room to rest. Yet as she replayed the words Mabel would pass along, her heart-numb for so long-still ached with a dull, familiar pain.

Having wedding photos taken was supposed to be a milestone for a married couple. If Timothy actually cared, the three of them-husband, wife, and child— would have gone together. Instead, he chased Sheila overseas and only then bothered to inform Jessica to join them.

She knew how busy he was. His schedule was planned out months in advance. But for Sheila, he could upend everything at a moment's notice.

If he had a gap in his calendar, he'd squeeze Jessica in for a quick photo shoot on the side. In his mind, she was just the convenient, accommodating wife-grateful for whatever crumbs of attention he tossed her way.

sad joke she must be in

if Timothy came looking for her, the

suitcase and stepped out of her

mind? Was she going abroad? That's wonderful! Yes, that's what she should do. Mabel couldn't help but smile, quietly wishing Jessica the best-that maybe, just maybe, this

Jessica

"Has she left yet?"

voice brimmed with relief. "Yes, she's already

took the train back to

from an unknown

flight number? Send me the

really was something-so sure she'd come

Not anymore.

switched her phone to

necklace lying on the floor and quickly picked it

in the