Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sandra could only shake her head in resignation.

Vince was just reaching the ER doctor's office with Jessica in his arms when she suddenly opened her eyes, disoriented to find herself in a hospital.

Panic flickered across her face. She quickly tugged at Vince's sleeve. "I'm fine, really. You can put me down."

"We're already at the doctor's office. Let's just have you checked out."

Jessica had barely made it home before her parents were overwhelmed with joy. If they saw her coming into the hospital now, there'd be no way to hide her cancer from them.

She had always planned to tell Vince first. Letting their parents know so soon would only devastate them-especially their mother.

Trying to sound casual, Jessica explained, "I just got a little woozy when I saw Timothy's wound. I just need a minute to recover."

It was true. She'd been through enough to understand. Some people aren't normally squeamish, but when someone they care about is hurt badly, it can trigger a fainting response. That's exactly what happened to her.

Timothy appeared just then, catching the tail end of her words. He hurried over. "Jessy, you still care about me, don't you?"

Everyone turned as Timothy approached, and the mood soured instantly.

much worry, hope, or longing Timothy's eyes held,

married for seven years, and still, he hadn't trusted her he'd even

Lawson, can't we just put a period at the

real. How am I supposed to just

couldn't be

earlier. I shouldn't have doubted you. I shouldn't have lashed out. I never meant to refuse your calls for help that stormy night—I tried to get to you. I promised I'd file for divorce and I meant it. I just... realized there's

the problem- he always left things unsaid, and every time their conversations broke off, their issues grew

at Timothy's heart, bringing him pain and helplessness he'd never known before. It should have been simple, but somehow,

Jessica protectively to his side and shot Timothy a cold look. "Timothy, do you have to cling to her like some kind

who didn't know all the details of Timothy

He scolded Vince, "Watch your

still unclean She was supposed to marry Yates, but ended up with

hard. "Mr. Zimmerman, are you saying you want Jessy to marry

Jessy marries in the future, you two are already divided in every way that matters. All that's left is a signature. The fact that

don't stand waiting forever, Timothy. As your elder, I suggest you see the doctor, then head home and

words were heavy with the concern of a