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But seeing how withdrawn and cold she was, he didn't push it.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.

startled. She'd just seen Timothy sign the divorce papers-so why was Jessica

see Jessica return, though they had no idea what Timothy had done to bring

back, maybe there was

finally home," Sandra said,

lately. We all hope you

for the benefit of

wanted to get closer to Jessica-she was, after

Timothy had put her through, they felt deeply awkward and didn't know how to face

part, was distant as ever. She went straight

things were still there. Once inside, she locked the door

to Timothy. "How'd you convince her to

it," he muttered, not wanting to explain. "When are

clearly wanted the house

wasn't offended. She

better. Looks like you two are in for a long cold war-thanks to you, we're all on her blacklist. She probably doesn't Want to spend time with us so we'll just

The couple was elderly; he didn't like the idea

If you

still learning from

wanted to keep an eye on how things developed between Timothy and Jessica. If she left now, she'd be out of the

stubborn as ever; he hadn't even told the Zimmerman family that Jessica was

it to Sheila. "Go buy yourself

waved her off.

just staying here to keep you company Once

my own apartment."

Timothy didn't try to make

Jessica was

feelings on

"All right, then. Settled."