Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy didn't lay a hand on her.

Maybe all he wanted was to scare Little Mute into going back.

Jessica signed, "You're getting better every day, you know. I'm honestly so proud

of you."

But Herbert couldn't share in her happiness-not with the Wheeler family

breathing down his neck. He was still under their thumb.

Little Mute refused to drag him into her troubles. He couldn't protect her openly,

not when it would only make things worse for her.

He forced a wry smile. "I'm not nearly as impressive as you think I am."

“To me, you're already wonderful,” Jessica signed softly, her gestures full of warmth. "Don't overthink any of this. I understand."

She was well aware of the real reason behind everything. Timothy's actions were cruel in ways words couldn't express.

Using the Wheeler Group to threaten Herbert had left him cornered. In a world defined by competition and pride, no man wanted to feel bested by another. If it hadn't been for his desire to help her, none of this mess would even exist.

They'd known each other since childhood. To have things come to this, right in front of her, would surely bruise his pride.

But Jessica never cared about things like that.

Herbert didn't say anything more. Once Jessica divorced Timothy and cut all ties, none of this would matter anymore.

The only thing that really mattered now was helping her recover her voice. It was rare to get her away from Riverside City, and he finally had time to help with her treatment. If he could schedule the minimally invasive surgery soon, it would be a huge step toward her recovery.

After Herbert took her for a thorough examination, the results confirmed their fears -her throat had been injured by force, and at some point, she'd even bled.

No sooner had they returned to Herbert's office than he pulled Jessica into a fierce embrace.

If he hadn't seen the bruises on her cheek and the split at the corner of her lips, he might never have known what she'd truly endured, even after reading the medical report.

His heart ached so badly it felt like it was bleeding.

That monster Timothy-how could he do this to her?

Herbert's arms tightened around Little Mute, desperate to protect her, but inadvertently causing her pain.

She squirmed, trying to free herself, until he finally realized and let go, flustered.

Jessica raised her hands, asking, "What's wrong?"

Herbert's eyes were rimmed red. He

tried to brush it off, mumbling, "Your throat's so inflamed-I can't stand knowing you've been in pain for so long." .

PAGU

But Jessica just smiled gently.

For her, breaking free from the past-even though it hurt-was already a victory.

"It's alright. The medicine you had sent over helped a lot. I barely feel any pain now."

Watching her calmly sign those words, Herbert's voice dropped to a whisper. "Wait here for a moment. I need to step out."

His office was spacious and fully equipped, with a private bathroom attached.

The moment he turned away, tears slipped from the corners of his eyes, fogging his glasses.

He hurried into the bathroom, closed the door behind him, and leaned back against it.

With his eyes shut, the tears he'd been holding back poured down, streaming over his face.

He clenched his fist and pounded it against his chest, as if trying to stop his heart from suffocating him.

Why did he trust her text message?

Why did he let himself believe she could handle it alone?

Why, just because Timothy threatened him with the Wheeler Group, did he let fear for her safety paralyze him-why didn't he just storm into the Gilded Whisper Estates and get her out?

He hadn't always been like this.

He used to throw himself into fights without a second thought.

He'd gone from a scrappy kid on the streets to a polished young man in high society, only to find himself

shackled by hesitation and fear.

If this was what it meant to be Mr. Wheeler, then maybe he wanted no part of it.

Seeing Little Mute hurt like this-he'd rather die.

Timothy...

Herbert's fists tightened, his knuckles popping.

Little Mute was so gentle, so timid.

After everything she'd been through, how terrified and alone she must have felt—noveldrama

how utterly broken.