Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica opened the door and stepped out.

Timothy was on the phone. The moment he saw her, he ended the call without hesitation.

"Changed your mind?" he asked.

"I'll agree to stay here for a week," Jessica replied, her voice steady. "But I want my bag back."

He'd told her that as long as she stayed with him for this one week, she could do whatever she wanted. Only when she left this island would she have a real

chance to get away.

Timothy said nothing.

She had to press on. "You can keep my ID and passport if you're that paranoid. But I need my bag. Give it back."

Timothy didn't answer. Instead, he walked to the dressing room and came out carrying a brand-new designer bag.

"If you want to carry a bag, I bought you a new one."

Jessica stared at the bag in his hand, its price tag probably enough to buy a small house, her brow furrowing in frustration.

She reached out and took it.

That seemed to please Timothy, a faint smile touching his lips.

In the next instant, she hurled the bag at his chest, her anger barely contained.

"I want my bag. Can't you understand? If you expect me to spend this week with you without losing my mind, then do as I say!"

She was on the verge of breaking down.

How could she have fallen in love with a man like this?

Learning that he'd almost married Sheila, that Sheila was the one he truly loved- those revelations had cut her deeply, but even then, she'd never lost control like this.

For seven years, she'd willingly trapped herself in this love, giving him her whole life.

But now, being manipulated like this, she was coming apart at the seams.

She couldn't calm herself. Despair burned in her eyes as she glared at him. "Do you realize I could die?"

Tears welled up, stinging her eyes, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall.

Her emotions were rawer than ever, and Timothy felt as if an invisible rope was tightening around his heart.

He didn't understand what she meant by "die."

Softly, he tried to soothe her. "I didn't bring your bag. How about I buy you the same one?"

Jessica felt hollow, defeated.

She looked at the man before her-so handsome, so tall, his air of refinement so out of reach. All his virtues belonged to others, outsiders. Never to her.

He never understood a single word she said.

She didn't want another bag. She wanted her bag.

Inside, there was something she needed-something that could save her life.

She shook her head, slowly backing away from him, step by step.

She realized then: when pain reached its limit, tears wouldn't fall.

When pain reached its limit, all she wanted was oblivion.

Her near-broken state sent Timothy into a panic.

He rushed forward, grabbing her shoulders, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly.

"Jessy, don't scare me."

His hands were warm as he stroked her back, desperate to calm her.

"If you really want your bag, I'll send someone to get it for you."noveldrama

How laughable.

He'd rather send someone else than let her leave, even for a moment.

Jessica shoved him away.

"I don't want it anymore."

"Timothy."

"I'll stay with you this week."

"Wherever you want to go, I'll go."

"Whatever you want, I'll do."

"I won't fight. I won't resist."

Her lovely eyes were empty now, stripped of all light.

"My life is yours. Seven years, or forever. It's yours."

He didn't know yet-why only seven years?

Because time was running out for her.

She'd been given a death sentence-only six months left.

If she

heat she could be

Lovelet

healed, she'd be reborn. But the new her would have no place for in her life

She agreed.

It hadn't even taken a night for her to give in.

But Timothy felt no joy, not even for a second.

It was as if the threads of his veins were being pulled taut, binding him until they

cut into flesh.

Still, he forced himself to remain calm, pushing down the fear clawing at him.

As long as she stayed, that was enough.

When he'd decided to go through

with the divorce, he already made up his mind: he d use this month to her back, to make her stay.

Wi

He had hoped tenderness would soften her, keep her by his side forever.

He never imagined things would turn out like this.

But it didn't matter.

The process wasn't what he'd wanted, but the result was the same.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

The housekeeper answered.

Moments ago, Jessica's fury had nearly pushed Timothy over the edge, so he'd

arranged for a beautician to come over.

He might still have to use force to keep her in check.

But now that she'd surrendered, he didn't need to push.

"Mr. Lawson, good afternoon."

Jessica watched a strange woman enter, carrying a case.

Timothy walked over, murmured to Jessica, "Let's go to your room."

He scooped her up and carried her.

Jessica's eyes were dull, as lifeless as a broken doll's.

As they passed the beautician, Timothy gestured for her to follow.

He set Jessica on the bed, sitting beside her and gripping her hand tightly, his

voice almost unbearably gentle.

"Jessy, you're being so good. We'll

be happy I promise.stay hnet Oake your life my top priority

you,

okay?"

There's no grief deeper than a heart gone cold.

Let him do whatever he wanted.

If this was what he wanted, let him be the one to finish her.

Timothy shrugged off his suit jacket and began to unbutton his shirt.