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.

involved in our business,” he

on the other end. "The Zimmermans want you to make a public statement about the divorce. What

over. Edit it until they're satisfied." Phelps's voice shook. "Are you really planning to go

"Yes."

there any

he didn't, it would destroy

there was no reason to drag her down with

refused to let go now, there'd be nothing left for either of them-only

"But-"

ask for, just give it to

ended the call, his face even

searching for words. "Timothy, I went to the Zimmerman house this morning. Because of Jessy, Larkin was furious with me. He even

might do the same. Go

mouth to argue, but

five in the evening in Riverside City, but just dawn in

Jessica's heart pounded the

before the front door She was abou to see her

come on," Vince urged

and immediately opened the

followed the

early hour, the

courtyard, a fit of

A woman's cough.

to

Was it that unbreakable bond between mother and daughter?

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

down," Vince called,

door and knocked softly. "Mom? Are you

in," Mrs. Zimmerman's voice floated

again, and Zachary hurried to