Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sandra's eyes glowed with pride and approval.

Sallie, on the other hand, just rolled her eyes. She couldn't see the appeal of those paper-cut artworks-she had no idea what was going through these old folks' minds, but they all seemed to love it.

She thought, It's just a mute girl, is it really worth all this attention?

Abell had the paper-cutting sent to his study, and once the housekeepers announced dinner was ready, everyone made their way to the dining room.

Sandra made a point of seating Jessica beside her, with Timothy on Jessica's other side, clearly hoping to give their marriage a little boost.

If that silly spat between them could be settled tonight with a real conversation, all the better.

Vince took the seat directly across from Jessica. He'd promised her that if Timothy stepped out of line, he'd make sure she was safe. He hoped the evening would be uneventful-get her here, then get her out again in one piece.

Timothy hadn't said a single word to Jessica since they'd arrived. Sandra was the one making conversation with her. During dinner, Sandra even nudged Timothy, saying, "Go on, help Jessy to some food."

Timothy carefully picked out the dishes Jessica liked and placed them on her plate, every gesture deliberate and attentive.

Sheila, sitting across from them, watched the scene with a chill running through her veins.

The weight of being "Miss Howard" felt heavier than ever—a title that had become a burden. At home, she hardly dared to act too close with Timothy.

Just ten more days, she told herself. They'd be divorced by then.

Jessica, unable to speak, spent the evening quietly-nodding, shaking her head, but never saying a word. Sandra and Abell, meanwhile, fussed over her nonstop.

In front of the elders, Jessica didn't refuse Timothy's gentle courtesies at the dinner table.

Even after dinner, Sandra couldn't help but bring up the rift between them. Taking Jessica's hand in hers, she spoke earnestly: "Marriage isn't easy. A little friction is inevitable. Timothy can be a bit cold, I know, but I hope you'll be patient with him. If he ever does anything to upset you, or treats you badly, you come to me. I promise I'll set him straight."

Sandra was trying to smooth things over, thinking it was just a minor spat.

She had no idea the rift was so deep-they were heading for divorce.

Jessica had no intention of keeping it from the elders. There was no "minor disagreement"-they really were getting a divorce. Better for them to know the truth than to try and force her and Timothy back together.

Pulling out her phone, Jessica quickly typed a message: "Grandma Sandra, what's between Timothy and me isn't just a small argument. We're getting a divorce. I hadn' planned to come tonight, but since he asked Mr. Zimmerman, Tagreed so as not to make things difficult for him. This is my first time at the Howard house, and it'll also be my last. Later, I'll have Vince return the pearl bracelet to you."

She handed the phone to Sandra.noveldrama

Sandra read the message, her face tightening with worry. "Why such a sudden decision? I only just met you tonight!"

She immediately turned her glare on Timothy. "Timothy, did you do something to

hurt Jessy? You'd better explain yourself this evening."

Their son was already six years old. They'd been married seven years-how could they just throw that away?

Just then, Sallie couldn't hold back.

She fixed Jessica with an annoyed stare. "This is your grandparents' first time meeting you, and they were finally happy for once. Did you really have to bring up something so depressing? What's all this about

divorce, anyway? Do you really think you'll find a better man than Timothy?"