Goodbye, Mr. Regret

After saying his piece, Father Benedict gently gestured toward the porcelain

teacup. "The tea's getting cold, my friend. Please, have some."

Timothy finished the last of his tea, warmth lingering only in memory.

Father Benedict rose from his seat. "There's much to be done in the abbey today.

I can't keep you company for long, but please, make yourself at home. Stay as

long as you wish, and leave whenever you're ready."

"Thank you."

"Peace be with you."

With that, Father Benedict left the quiet sanctuary.

Timothy sat there for a long while, lost in thought. Before stepping outside, he

slipped all the cash he had into the donation box by the door.

Driving home, Timothy replayed Father Benedict's words in his mind. He wished

he could do as the priest advised—let go of his pain, his obsessions. But he

couldn't. He wouldn't. He'd rather drown in the ache than live without Jessica. The

pain was still something he could bear. What did it matter if life was a little harder?

He couldn't imagine a world without her.

Little did he know, worse pain was waiting for him in the days to come.

Timothy returned to The Gilded Whisper Estates.

Sallie had no way of knowing where to look for him, so she'd simply waited

anxiously at the estate. When she saw him walk through the door, she hurried

over and grabbed his arm, her voice trembling on the verge of tears. "Why didn't

you let me know you were discharged from the hospital? I tried calling you, but

you wouldn't pick up. You have any idea how worried I was? I searched for you all

morning—I was about to call the police!"

"I'm not a toddler, Sallie. You didn't need to panic."

but you're still

and stop

I even thought you'd flown

he chewed me

himself from her grip and crossed to the

across from

Vince say to you?"

accused me of

he's not wrong. Why are you

up from the couch, indignant. "You're my brother!

time, you should be on my side—not sarcastic! You think

say anything about

"What did he say?"

whether you live or die, it's

anymore!"

darkened, shadows settling over

finally realized her words had gone too far. She

mean it. You two have been close

looked out for him. He's not the

that easily."

the mildest thing he could've said," Timothy

I'd disappear for good."

didn't bother defending himself or blaming

lips. "None of this would've happened if we'd known

we never

at her, his gaze steady. "Even if she wasn't Salome,

to be treated that

you're blaming

miserable? Like you

was part of the problem,

no way my

to divorce you

custody of

what she suffered

your son. That's what

walk away from

nothing, his eyes

her lip,

I didn't mean to upset

worry about you.

still don't back

I got

about you

was so hurt.

hope

you really tried,

back."

cared about you and Henry, that's why she

mind. She cared—so she was hurt, and