Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Herbert's call was from his mother, reminding him to come home for dinner.

Jessica's call, on the other hand, came from Vince.

But Vince hung up almost immediately after dialing-he hadn't called to talk, just to nudge Jessica to check her messages.

[Jessica, are you still alone at your apartment?]

It was the night of the Thanksgiving Day. Vince figured that if Jessica wasn't joining the Lawson family, she'd probably be spending the holiday by herself, so he wanted to invite her over to the Zimmerman house.

While Herbert was on the phone, Jessica could tell from his tone that it was Mrs. Reynolds on the line. As soon as Herbert hung up, she quickly motioned for him to hurry home and waved him goodbye.

Once Herbert's car had pulled away, Jessica texted Vince back.

She didn't want Herbert's personal life or career to be affected because of her, so she told Vince the truth-she was spending the holiday alone at her apartment.

Vince's intention was clear: he wanted Jessica to come over for a family dinner to celebrate the holiday together.

Jessica didn't refuse. Vince told her to wait for him at the apartment complex entrance; he'd be there soon.

Larkin to let him know that Jessica had

out

house. Ever since Mrs. Zimmerman had fallen ill, she'd been receiving treatment overseas, and Vince had taken over running the family business. Their father was

Jessica up, but couldn't

like this, Jessica should have been at the Lawson estate with Timothy, yet here she

was planning

since Jessica couldn't speak and Vince was driving, conversation was

the Zimmerman home, Larkin's eyes misted over as he saw Jessica. It

sweetheart. Sit by me," he said, his voice

pulled out a chair for her like

sat down when her phone

It was Timothy.

had just arrived

Timothy's name flashing

Jessica declined