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But seeing how withdrawn and cold she was, he didn't push it.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

the divorce papers-so why was Jessica coming back

though they had no idea what Timothy had done to bring her

she was back, maybe

you're finally home," Sandra said,

hope you two

chimed in, polite for the benefit of Jessica's foster

wanted to get closer

put her through, they felt deeply awkward and didn't know how

ever. She went straight to the master

Once inside, she locked the door behind

Timothy. "How'd

worry about it," he muttered, not wanting to explain.

the house

offended. She

you two are in for a long cold

sister drive you," Timothy offered. The couple was

us? If you are, we can all go together-no need

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

to keep an eye on how things developed between Timothy and Jessica.

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

pulled out a card and handed it to Sheila. "Go buy yourself an

waved her off. "Mom, I'm

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

my own apartment."

didn't try to make

relationship with Jessica was already

on

"All right, then. Settled."