Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"For this one-month cooling-off period, you'll stay at home. I won't interfere with your work or restrict your freedom. Just remember, until we're officially divorced, you're still my wife-so don't embarrass me."

Jessica managed a weary smile.

"All right. Let's get it over with."

She finished signing, walked with Timothy out to his car.

"Jessy."

Vince called after her.

She paused for the briefest moment, but in the end, climbed into Timothy's car without a word.

Jessica stayed silent the entire drive.

At the courthouse, the divorce registration went smoothly.

Originally, Timothy had hoped Jessica would at least pretend for a month that their marriage was intact.

But seeing how withdrawn and cold she was, he didn't push it. Just having her come home felt like a small miracle-he'd settle for that, for now.

The agreement lay ready-drafted by Timothy, in the same way he'd tricked her into coming home last time.

Everything Jessica was owed, Timothy included.

Jessica had no interest in the details; she didn't want any more trouble or delays. She simply signed her name on Timothy's contract.

She didn't make a scene. After leaving the courthouse, she went back to The Gilded Whisper Estates with Timothy.

Inside, Sandra and Abell, along with Sheila, were waiting.

Timothy sign the divorce papers-so why was Jessica coming

return, though they

if she was back, maybe there was

finally home," Sandra said, beaming.

you lately. We all hope you two

the benefit of Jessica's

and Abell wanted to get closer

through, they felt deeply awkward and

was distant as ever. She went straight

there. Once

Timothy. "How'd you

wanting to explain.

clearly wanted the house

wasn't offended. She

long cold war-thanks to you, we're all on her blacklist. She

you," Timothy offered. The couple was elderly; he didn't like the idea of them

If you are, we can all go together-no need to trouble

can't leave yet. I'm still learning from

of leaving-she wanted to keep an eye on how things developed between Timothy and Jessica. If she left now,

ever; he hadn't even told the Zimmerman family that Jessica was actually Vince's

buy yourself an apartment. It's not really appropriate to stay

her off. "Mom,

I'm just staying here to keep you company Once you head home,

my own apartment."

Timothy didn't try to make anyone

was already rocky enough-he

feelings on top of

"All right, then. Settled."