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.

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

and still, he hadn't trusted her he'd even

gaze was steady, her words cool and even. "Mr. Lawson, can't we just put a period at the end

How am I supposed to just end

couldn't be erased or glossed

sorry for what I said 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

much in one go. Maybe that was part of the problem- he always

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

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

didn't know all the details of Timothy

families. He scolded Vince, "Watch your manners. There's no need for that kind

soon. Jessy clearly has no intention of getting back together. She went missing, her background's still unclean She was supposed

you saying

who Jessy marries in the future, you two are already divided in every way that matters. All that's left

too late. People don't stand waiting forever, Timothy. As your elder, I suggest you see the

of a