Goodbye, Mr. Regret

He really didn't have the strength to get up this time.

He was exhausted. Everything hurt.

Ever since the car accident that shattered his leg, he hadn't been able to get out of bed. Even lying there, he'd barely rested, chasing after Jessica Greene overseas from a hospital room.

Vince Zimmerman had stabbed him once, and just a few days ago, Jessica had done it again.

Now, his back was covered with cuts from the shattered windshield.

He was tough, but even he couldn't ignore so many wounds. The pain was real- relentless.

Sallie Lawson unwrapped the takeout bag she'd just brought in. “Let me help you eat a little soup, okay?"

He turned away. "I'm not hungry. I told you, you don't need to worry about me. I just want some peace and quiet."

Sallie's tone was stubborn. "You're my brother. How could I possibly not worry? You're in the hospital. You have to eat something."

Just then, Sallie's phone rang.

It was Phelps Lawson calling.

She answered.

"I told you to come home for a family meeting. We need to talk about Timothy and Jessy's marriage. Why aren't you back yet?"

Sallie sighed. “Timothy won't come home. There's nothing we can decide without him. Are you planning to drag Jessica back into the Lawson family by force?"

She knew these discussions were pointless.

"I know it's difficult, but we still need to show we're making an effort. By the way, where's Timothy? He won't answer my calls. He needs to be here for this. The Zimmerman family is demanding a formal statement about the divorce."

Timothy reached over and took Sallie's phone, switching it to speaker.

you involved in our business,” he said, his

to make a public statement about the divorce. What do you want to

whatever statement they want. Send it over. Edit it until they're satisfied." Phelps's voice shook.

"Yes."

there any

he didn't, it

but there was no reason

he refused to let go now, there'd be nothing

"But-"

Whatever the Zimmermans ask for, just give it

his face even paler

even yelled at

her, I might do the same. Go home, Sallie. I'm tired. I need a few

her mouth to argue, but couldn't find a single

was around five in the evening in Riverside City, but just dawn in Aetherion as Jessica, Vince, and ates Bryant arrived

Jessica's heart pounded the

the front door She was

on," Vince

Vince and immediately opened

followed the

this early hour, the house

stepped into the courtyard, a fit of coughing echoed

A woman's cough.

to

hands shook. Was it that unbreakable bond between mother and daughter? Without thinking, she dropped her

told her how after she'd disappeared, their mother had fallen ill

down," Vince called, catching up. "This

a bedroom door

in, come in," Mrs. Zimmerman's voice floated through the

cough again, and Zachary hurried to pour her