Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica sat in the passenger seat and immediately spotted Timothy.

Herbert was behind the wheel, eyes sharp on the road ahead, but he couldn't miss Timothy either.

They were almost at Jessica's house now, and the car slowed considerably. Herbert glanced at her, sensing her anxiety.

Without hesitation, Jessica signed, "Herbert, just keep driving."

The last thing she wanted was to run into Timothy-especially now, with Herbert

by her side. Knowing Timothy's temper, she could already imagine the argument that would follow.

Herbert pressed his foot to the gas.

Out on the sidewalk, Timothy was standing face-to-face with Secretary Allen, his gaze fixed on the passing traffic. Something about the car caught Timothy's attention a flash of familiarity.

Secretary Allen noticed Timothy staring and turned to look as well.

"Ma'am..."

But the car sped by without even a pause.

Through the window, Timothy caught sight of Jessica. He took an unconscious step forward, but the vehicle was already disappearing down the block.noveldrama

A stormy darkness settled over Timothy's face, his presence turning icy and oppressive. Secretary Allen ducked his head, barely daring to breathe.

If they could see Jessica, then they could see Herbert as well.

Only when Herbert's car vanished from sight did Timothy finally tear his gaze away. His voice was cold and low as he called out, "Allen."

Secretary Allen snapped to attention.

Timothy's frosty stare was unreadable. "You've been here all day. When did he show up?"

Secretary Allen's heart sank, but he didn't dare withhold the truth. "When I arrived this morning, Mr. Herbert was getting here too. He and Mrs. Lawson went to the cemetery together."

A vein pulsed on Timothy's temple. He shot Allen a frosty glare and strode toward his car.

Secretary Allen scrambled after him, voice tight with panic. "President Lawson, I just didn't want you and Mrs. Lawson to argue about all this, so—"

Timothy slid into the passenger seat. The door was still open.

Even with Allen standing outside, Timothy's forceful presence left him feeling small and on edge.

"This month's bonus is canceled. And if you ever hide news about my wife from me again..." Timothy paused, letting his words sink in, then added coldly, "You'll be out of a job."

Snap-

Timothy slammed the door and started the engine.

A little ways down the road, Herbert finally pulled over.

"Jess," he said quietly, "do you want to go back?"

Jessica's mood had darkened since Timothy's sudden appearance. All she wanted was a quick divorce.

Timothy already loved someone net

else-only he'd grant her freedom, he could be with the womanche truly cared about.

Ever since she learned about the other woman, Jessica had been ready to step aside. But Step

met

Timothy did he really want her to keep playing Mrs. Lawson, standing in the way of his affair with Sheila? It was pointless.

Everyone in the Lawson family and Timothy's circle of friends knew the truth. Jessica felt suffocated.

She'd staked everything on this marriage no career, no legal protection, no power to leave. She was trapped, facing a husband with all the advantage. Even getting a divorce seemed impossible.

Seven years ago, she'd rushed headlong into this marriage, only to find herself at a dead end.

"Jess?"

Herbert spoke her name softly. He understood-Jessica wanted out, but Timothy wouldn't let her go. As long as he refused, no lawyer dared touch her case.

She had no one to turn to, and she was afraid of dragging Herbert into her mess.

Turning her face to the window, Jessica met Herbert's eyes. There was sadness there, and a bitter little smile. She lifted her wrist and asked, "Herbert, am I really that useless?"