She''s ankle was a little sprained, but the doctor skillfully twisted it back into ce. The pain was sharp for a moment, but after that, she could walk just fine.


    "Timothy, you saidst night that everything you''ve been doingtely is because Jessica''s threatening divorce. You don''t want Henry to grow up in a broken home, and you''re trying to keep the family together. I really shouldn''t add to your troubles. You don''t need to drive me back-go find her instead."


    Jessica had gone to see Herbert again, and the way Herbert spoke earlier made it clear he was nning to go head-to-head with Timothy, trying to wreck his marriage and steal his wife.


    No wonder Timothy looked so annoyed.


    "Forget about her. She''lle home when she''s done making a scene. Let me take you first,” Timothy replied curtly.


    His answer offered She somefort.


    At least she still had a ce in Timothy''s heart.


    She tried to reassure herself-she and Timothy had grown up together; over twenty years of history between them couldn''t possibly lose out to Jessica''s


    seven.


    The only reason she and Timothy couldn''t be together was their family ties. She believed that if she could ovee that one obstacle when it mattered most, nothing would stand between her and Timothy.


    Since Jessica was set on causing trouble now, She figured it was best to let her. The more drama Jessica stirred up, the more Timothy would resent her—and the better She''s chances would be in the future.


    Timothy was nning to drive She back to Moonstrand Vis, but she told him she was working at Ines''s studio these days and asked him to drop her off there instead.


    After She got out of the car, Timothy drove off.


    On the way, his phone rang. It was Sallie.


    "Timothy," she said, "tomorrow''s Thanksgiving. Grandpa asked me to remind you —everyone''s expected at the old house for dinner tomorrow night."


    "Got it," Timothy replied.


    At Larkin''s birthday party, Timothy had publicly introduced Jessica as his wife. Now everyone in their social circle knew Timothy had married a woman who couldn''t speak. His family was furious.


    Sallie wanted to say more, but she was afraid Timothy would snap, so she simply hung up.


    Time really did fly-Thanksgiving was already here.


    A day for family.


    Every year, the three of them would return to the old house for dinner.


    Jessica had gone over early in the morning to help prepare the family meal.


    As a wife, she''d been wless these past seven years.


    Timothy couldn''t understand it. Wasn''t the calm, steady life they had good enough? Why ruin things over trivial matters?


    He pulled his car over to the side of the road, took out his phone, and dialed Jessica''s number-then hung up.


    It was an old system they''d agreed on: a call and a hang-up meant he wanted to talk by text.


    He sent her a message:


    [We''re having Thanksgiving dinner at the house tomorrow. When will you be home?]


    Jessica saw Timothy''s call, then the text that followed. She read the message and replied:


    [Didn''t we already agree on this? I''ve made myself clear, Timothy. Even if it''s about your family, you can''t force me. I want a divorce. Let''s just ept that we''re living separate lives now. One month from now-see you at the courthouse.]


    After sending the message, Jessica switched off her phone.


    She didn''t want Timothy to contact her again.


    When She arrived at Ines''s studio, she was surprised to find Mr. Smith in Ines''s office, chatting andughing.


    Clearly, Mr. Smith still hadn''t given up on Jessica.


    At that moment, he was talking business with Ines, who had brought out even more of Jessica''s work for him to see.