Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince's eyes narrowed. "What are you really trying to say?"

Back then, when Timothy announced he was going to marry Sheila, both the Lawsons and the Howards were up in arms. The whole thing nearly ended in a family feud.

Everyone knew Timothy's sudden marriage was all about saving Sheila's reputation—and, more importantly, keeping the peace between the Lawsons and the Howards.

But what did any of that have to do with Jessica being mute?

Suddenly, Sallie realized she'd said too much and backtracked. "It's nothing. I'm just venting."

She'd always looked down on Jessica for being unable to speak, convinced she wasn't good enough for Timothy, and was constantly picking on her.

Still, between the two, she was even more against Sheila ending up with Timothy. For the time being, Jessica needed to stay Mrs. Lawson-otherwise, who knew if Timothy might have another crazy impulse and go back to Sheila.

If she hadn't shown up that night just in time, things could've gotten really messy.

"Venting? You think I'm that gullible?" Vince pressed. "You clearly implied that if Jessica wasn't mute, Timothy wouldn't have married her. What's the real reason?"

Sallie rolled her eyes. "And why would I tell you?"

quick strides and seized her wrist.

rubbing at the red mark he'd left. Her voice was icy. "Why do

off guard, lost for

stared at him, her gaze growing sharper. "You're out of your mind. She's Timothy's wife! If you so much

Vince wanted to make a

a finger at him, repeating herself, "A real friend doesn't go after

it came down to it, he knew he was in the wrong. Even if Jessica and Timothy divorced one day, their history would always get in the

pressing Sallie further.

S to

still had forty-eight hours get through the critical period, but stuck in the ICU, Vince couldn't visit even if

felt nothing for Jessica, then when she wanted a divorce, he would've been altoo

from the very start, Timothy

but Vince could

words didn't add up. And he couldn't understand why

Jessica's demeanor, her last seven