Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy watched the car disappear down the drive until it was little more than a speck on the horizon. Only then did he wheel around, guide his wheelchair back into the house, retreat to his room, and quietly shut the door behind him.

Sandra let out a weary sigh. She knew there was no point in pressing Timothy for answers right now; he wouldn't tell her anything in his current state.

She turned to Sheila. “You spent some time in Riverside City, didn't you? Do you know anything about what's going on with them?"

Sheila shook her head. "I don't know the specifics. But I can tell Timothy cares a lot about her. I have no idea what happened to make her insist on a divorce."

"I thought as much," Sandra murmured.

She took Abell's arm, leading him out for a walk. Once they'd strolled a ways past the gates of Howard Mansion, Sandra spoke up. "Why don't you call Timothy's grandfather? Maybe he knows what's really going on."

"You're right. I'll ask Phelps about it."

Abell dialed Phelps's number.

Phelps picked up almost immediately. "Abell, is something up?”

"I met my granddaughter-in-law today," Abell said. "She seemed gentle and well- mannered. I was impressed. But she told me she wants a divorce. Do you know why?"

Phelps was in the middle of organizing a search for Jessica. Like Sallie, he'd assumed Timothy had gone to find Sheila, so he relayed the information Jessica had sent him to Sandra and Abell.

"I can't find her anywhere. Turns out, she's left the country. I'd appreciate it if you could try reaching out to her. Please, do whatever you can to keep this from going to court. Don't let her divorce Timothy."

Phelps had actually been considering letting Jessica go, figuring it might be best for everyone if she and Timothy split. But now that Timothy had gotten himself hurt chasing after Sheila, Phelps was worried he'd just get tangled up with Sheila all over again if he divorced Jessica. For now, it was better that they stayed married.noveldrama

Abell was stunned by what he heard. He hadn't realized Timothy had treated Jessica so badly. No wonder she wanted to leave.

"Alright, I understand. I'll see what I can do."

He ended the call, and Sandra immediately turned to him, anxious. "Well? What did he say?"

It was only then that she learned the full extent of what had happened.

Sandra's anger flared. "After all that's happened, I don't see how we can possibly convince her to stay."

"We have to try, even if it seems impossible," Abell insisted. "If this ends up in court, Timothy's reputation will be in tatters."

Sandra felt uneasy. "But what about Jessica? Doesn't that mean she just has to suffer in silence?"

"She's been through a lot, no doubt about it," Abell said quietly. "And I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. The way Sallie acted today, it's obvious Jessica hasn't had t easy with the Lawsons. I doubt she's asking for a divorce over one single incident. No woman would make a decision like that over just one thing-it must've been building up for a long time."

Sandra nodded. "You're right. We should go check on her tomorrow. She's so quiet, barely says a word and if she wasn't even treated well at the Dawsons', it's heartbreaking. Timothy's really pushed me to my limit this time. Once I figure out exactly what happened, he and I are going to have a serious talk!”

The next morning, Jessica headed to the hospital.

Sandra managed to get Jessica's address out of Vince after much coaxing.

But when they arrived at Jessica's apartment, she wasn't home.

Abell suggested calling Vince again to find out where Jessica had gone, but Sandra shook her head. "After everything Timothy did to her, the least we can do is wait here and show her we mean it."

Meanwhile, Jessica was sitting in the doctor's office. The doctor gave her a reassuring smile. "As long as we can find a compatible liver donor, we can treat your illness."