Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Herbert stared blankly into Vince's anxious eyes, blurting out, "Left side of her

chest-pink-heart-shaped."

Vince collapsed into the passenger seat, numb with shock. So it was true. Jessica

really was his Salome his long-lost little sister.

Timothy.

Within seconds, Vince's eyes brimmed red, his fists clenched so tight his arms

trembled. His teeth ground together audibly.

Herbert realized the truth must have matched. He hadn't expected Vince to care

so much about Jessica-or to have been relentlessly asking about her childhood

because he suspected she was the Zimmerman family's missing daughter.

With guilt heavy in his voice, Herbert muttered, "I'm sorry..."

Vince's reply was hoarse, "It's not your fault. I should have known."

Just as the words left his mouth, Vince's phone rang, slicing through the tension.

He picked it up. Timothy's name flashed across the screen.

Seeing that familiar name, Vince felt a murderous rage stir inside him.

He answered.

Timothy's voice was cold and calm. "Take Salome home. The family's waiting to

bring her back."

He'd given in.

He was letting Jessica go-letting her return to the family she belonged to, letting

her go somewhere he might never see her again.

He couldn't use Jessica's life as a gamble just to patch up a marriage that was

already beyond repair.

"Vince-"

Before Timothy could get out another word, Vince's voice exploded, nearly

me Vince! Why the hell didn't I kill

that night?"

quiet for a heartbeat. Vince didn't even bother to confirm

learned, he simply roared,

know. I don't need your fake concern,

with nothing but the cold beep of

of composure, was suddenly in

and broken. "Turn

sister."

a punch to the

racing Vince to Jessica's front

moment they stopped. Vince's knees

hit the pavement,

rushed to catch

with Herbert supporting him, Vince could barely walk,

memories-Salome, as a

that sweet,

step from the door, but it felt impossible to move

remembered the nights she'd sneak into his bed when she was cold,

contentedly in his arms. "Big brother, Salome loves

walked

behind, "Wait

he got in trouble

no

and promise

Grandpa to help.

remembered her pouting when the family discussed arranged marriages.

have to be engaged

she disappeared, he never heard anyone

"Big brother..."

before she walked,

the first

he

chubby

little bells. "Big

big brother..."

in his arms, and

feather-light.

was right there, almost within reach, yet because of

never realized it.

alone at The Gilded Whisper Estates,

trap.

only he'd realized sooner-she wouldn't have suffered like

"Salome... My Salome..."