Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince gently lifted Jessica into the car and climbed into the driver's seat, his eyes filled with concern as he looked at her-she seemed utterly drained, all the life beaten out of her.

"Do you want to go to the hospital and get an examination?" he asked quietly.

She nodded, her movements weak. Picking up her phone with trembling fingers, she typed out a message: "It's the only way I can get a divorce."

She'd chosen to call Vince, not Herbert, because she feared Herbert would lose control-his anger was even more dangerous.

After all, Vince had only just met her, yet he'd stabbed Timothy out of sheer fury, and had nearly gone for him a second time. If even Vince had reacted that way, what would Herbert have done?

Vince didn't say another word, just started the engine and drove her to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Timothy's shirt was already soaked with blood oozing from his abdomen. He'd managed to dress himself, but his once-white shirt was now stained crimson.

Throwing on a coat, he left Jessica's apartment. Last night, his driver had dropped him off, but now he was alone, forced to flag down a cab to the hospital.

The wound was too deep; he'd need stitches.

At the ER, the doctor glanced at the injury and asked, "Was this from a knife? Did someone stab you?"

Timothy nodded. "Yes."

"Do you want me to call the police?"

"No, that's not necessary."

Four stitches later, the wound was bandaged. Timothy left the hospital and considered calling Vince. He doubted Vince would answer now, but he needed to explain things to Jessica.

The events of the previous night replayed in his mind. He shut his eyes, feeling like he was losing his grip on reality.

He called his assistant, Allen, and asked him to pick him up. While waiting outside the hospital, he lit a cigarette. Everything had spiraled out of control. He realized Jessica probably wouldn't come back this time.

Mr. Smith tried calling Jessica.

But Jessica was in the middle of her medical exam, and her phone was in Vince's hand. Vince answered.

"Mrs. Lawson, I'll be there to pick you up in half an hour."noveldrama

"Mr. Smith, this is Vince. Jessy... she's dealing with something right now. She might not be able to go abroad with you. I'll talk to her and see what she decides."

Mr. Smith, eager for Jessica to join his project, said, "Alright. Let me know what she says."

After her exam, Jessica stepped out and Vince told her about Mr. Smith's call.

The light in her eyes faded even more; she looked like she might break down again. She took her

phone from Vince and typed: Shen et

wouldn't be able to travel for now, but she'd still work on the character design and keep in touch with Mr. Smith every day.

She was too weak to go anywhere-her body was exhausted, her mind worn

down. She needed to rest and still had other matters to handle soon.

Vince phoned Mr. Smith back. Mr. Smith's main concern was Jessica overseeing the character design. Though disappointed she couldn't travel he was satisfied she'd still be working on the project, and didn't pressure her further.

He did, however, express concern for whatever had happened to Jessica.

Vince couldn't bring himself to explain the details. He only said it was something serious, but assured Mr. Smith that Jessica was still committed to the work and hoped her absence wouldn't affect his opinion of her.

Once that was settled, Jessica turned to Vince. She wanted to call the police.

Vince had thought about it, too. What Timothy had done last night-if Jessica wanted to press charges-it was a crime.

"Jessy, do you want to see him go to prison?"

Jessica paused, then typed her reply: "I just want a divorce."

If she pressed charges, there'd be a criminal case-one that could drag on for months.

She didn't have the time or energy to go through all that.

"If you just want a divorce," Vince said gently, it's better not to involve the police right now. Let the women's protection group and the disability advocacy board handle it. They'll record your case afterthe hospital examination. If you decide later to press charges for marital assault, all the evidence will be there. You'll still have everything you need."