Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince replied to Marquis's message.

"I'm out having dinner-let's talk when I'm done."

They were sharing a meal, a few glasses of wine between them.

Yates, not quite ready to call it a night, nudged Timothy. "Last time we finally got together for drinks, but you smashed your glass and didn't get to have any. Tonight you owe us-take us to Red House for a round."

Timothy stood, slipping his suit jacket off the back of his chair and folding it over his arm. His voice was calm and polite. "Not tonight. I've got something to take care of. Next time, drinks are on me. I'll see you guys."

"Timothy," Vince called after him, "you heading to see Jessy?"

Timothy's tone sharpened. "Do you call her Jessy?"

“Uh... right. You're going to see Jessica?"

He finally nodded. "Yeah."

Vince, emboldened, pressed further. "You're not really thinking about divorce, are you?"

"I never said I wanted a divorce."

With that, Timothy turned and walked out, leaving the words to hang in the air.

Now only Vince and Yates were left in the private dining room. Vince slung an arm around Yates's shoulders and leaned in conspiratorially. "I get the feeling Timothy really cares about Jessica, you know?"

Yates gave him a sidelong look, a little dazed from the wine. “Why are you so invested in their marriage, anyway?"

Vince hesitated, then shrugged. "I guess Jessica reminds me of my little sister- so sweet. I hate seeing her get hurt."

Yates snorted. "Cut the little-sister act. It's obvious what's going on, even I can see it. You really think Timothy can't? Let me give you some advice-keep those feelings to yourself, or you'll lose him as a friend. Seriously, all these years, not a single woman by your side, and now you've set your sights on Timothy's wife?"

Vince frowned. "Have I? Don't talk nonsense."

Yates rolled his eyes. "If you have, fix it; if you haven't, keep it that way. We've known each other too long to let things get ugly over this. Think about it. Even Kane's been taking Sheila's side lately. He must have noticed Timothy's changed with Jessica. In the past seven years, Kane never worried about them."

Vince rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

He let go of Yates and sighed. "But Jessica wants a divorce. She's determined."

Yates shook his head. "Doesn't matter what she wants. Unless you get involved, no lawyer's going to take her case. If Timothy doesn't let her go, there's no way she can leave him."

"So you're saying Timothy's already given up on Sheila?"

Yates just grinned. "You're not thinking straight, man. Come on, let's go grab another drink-clear your head."

Meanwhile, Timothy stood outside Jessica's apartment, pressing the doorbell.

Jessica was on high alert when it came to Timothy these days.

Hardly anyone knew she lived here.

Vince and Marquis had just left.

If Herbert dropped by and she didn't

answer

door, he'd definitely call.

Jessica waited in silence.

Timothy held the doorbell for a long

Een there was no

he called

l.ne

phone.

he sent a simple message.

"Open the door."

Of course-it was him.

No way was she opening that door.

If he kept pressing the bell, she'd call the police.

Jessica set her phone to silent and headed for the shower.noveldrama

When Timothy arrived, he'd glanced up to see her lights on.

No answer to his messages. No one at the door.

Fine.

He didn't believe she could hide in there forever.

The next morning.

Sunlight crept gently through the curtains.

Jessica, for once, had slept soundly through the night.

It was rare-Timothy hadn't disturbed her.

After her shower, she poured herself a glass of warm water and tried to speak.

"A..."

It was still difficult-her voice came out strained and incomplete.

She took

Scribe medication Herbert had

prescribed. Her throat wasn't nearly

as before.