Goodbye, Mr. Regret

[There's been a bit of an incident. I won't be able to come over for a while- probably a month or so.]

Herbert stared at Jessica's message, instantly suspecting Timothy was behind this, using some trick or another.

[Did he force you?]

[No. It was a peaceful divorce. We've already signed the papers at city hall, but there's a mandatory waiting period-one month.]

Jessica didn't elaborate beyond that.

Even with the waiting period, if Jessica wanted to leave the country, she could. The fact that she hadn't meant only one thing: Timothy must be holding something over her, something she couldn't risk.

But now that the divorce was filed, Herbert didn't feel like he had any right to pry further. She hadn't received the final papers yet, and if he kept asking, it would only look like he was overstepping.

[If leaving isn't convenient, then at least take care of yourself while you're still here. Remember to do your rehab exercises every day. If you run into any problems, contact me anytime.]

[Okay.]

Meanwhile, Timothy was on the phone with Mr. Smith.

He started by telling Mr. Smith not to pressure Jessica about leaving the country-

she wouldn't be going abroad for at least a month. Then he got to the point: "Didn't you mention a specialist overseas, someone who could treat aphasia? Give me his contact information."

Yesterday afternoon, Jessica had managed to make a sound, but it was a struggle. Today, she was still relying on sign language. Clearly, she still couldn't speak normally. Timothy knew he needed to find a doctor for her.

"Well..."

Mr. Smith hesitated.

"I'm just asking you to recommend a doctor. Why are you being so cagey?"

I'm afraid this isn't

If it's about money, I'll pay whatever it

not about money. It's about the

thought you Westerners were supposed to be straightforward. Since when did you become

anymore. I have my reasons. Try another way, all right? In any case, don't worry too much. Your wife's aphasia can be treated. Just

offer some comfort, Mr. Smith's words only

want to know the doctor's name. Just tell

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Herbert."

phone almost slipped from his

Mr. Smith said. "I'll be straight with you-he's been treating Jessica's aphasia for some time. Back when he was at Aetherion, he spent seven years in the

words echoed in Timothy's mind:

come back

was already

as her husband, he hadn't known

hadn't accidentally made a sound yesterday, would he have

in the dark even

indefinable emotion welled up in Timothy's

voice? And what else had she endured, that

can recall at least a few things from when they were five or six-their parents'

had she been

many years unable to speak. Before marrying him, her

his phone again

can on my wife. Everything. I want her

the call,

times in business and exchanged numbers,

this is unexpected.

you give me your brother's