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 someone you

"Why not? If it's about money, I'll pay whatever it

about money. It's about the

"I thought you Westerners were supposed to be straightforward. Since when

shot back, half-joking. "Seriously, Timothy, don't ask me about this anymore. I have my reasons. Try another way, all right? In any case, don't worry too much. Your wife's

Mr. Smith's words

want to know the doctor's name. Just tell

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Herbert."

almost slipped

"I'll be straight with you-he's been treating Jessica's aphasia for some time. Back when he was at Aetherion, he

call ended, Mr. Smith's words echoed in Timothy's mind: Seven years in the lab, working on

had come back for

already getting

husband, he hadn't known a

a

the dark even when

emotion welled up

child, that she lost her voice? And what else had she endured, that she couldn't even remember

few things from when they were five or six-their parents' faces, that

she been through

unable to speak. Before marrying him, her life must have

his phone again and

on my

the call, Timothy phoned

times in business and exchanged numbers, but they

his call. "Well, this is unexpected. To what do I owe the pleasure, President

you give me