Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy pressed his hand to his chest. "I'll have your name tattooed right here- because in this lifetime, only you belong in my heart."

Not long ago, he'd told her he loved her.

And now, today, he wanted her name etched above his heart.

It was almost laughable.

Their marriage was already in pieces, shattered beyond repair.

Let him do as he pleased.

Without her medication, she would die.

When she'd found that box while preparing for the divorce-after every lawyer in town had refused to take her case—she'd been diagnosed with cancer. That was when she realized: maybe this was the only way out. The only road left that led away from him.

She'd tried. She'd tried so hard to change things.

But in the end, this was the path she had to walk.

The next moment, he spoke again. "So, I want you to leave my name on your skin

too. That way, we'll always be together, all right?"

At last, Jessica responded.

"No way!"

Death was the only escape she had left.

She wasn't going to let him leave any mark of himself on her, even after she was gone.

"Be good, Salome."

"Salome? Who's Salome?"

Jessica stared at Timothy in confusion. Did he have someone else besides Sheila?

"Sorry, slip of the tongue. Jessy and Salome both mean sunshine."

Jessica didn't buy it for a second.

But what did it matter who he loved? She just couldn't let him leave his name on her body.

"Timothy, if you dare put your name on me, I'll tear the skin off myself."

"Don't fight me."

gentle, but there was a

don't want your name on me, Timothy. Not

to leave him

he changed

the Zimmerman family know

keep her close. But if she became the daughter of the Zimmermans, Vince would stop at

been missing for twenty years; as far

only be

to get

mark, even childhood photos that looked similar wouldn't

would ever think to request

just be good, and if you

your word

we're home, I'll

was what she wanted. Once they were

"Fine, I agree."

flickered in

Timothy

the tattoo artists to

He fastened

with

e care and

the

to arrange for the

to arrange

helicopter

felt her heartbeat slow as she finally boarded

takeoff, she drifted

watching her the small crease between her brows deepening as she slept. He reached out,

Wow.

a moment later, the crease returned, her features tightening

heart twisted in

to her furrowed brow, as if he could smooth away

between them had come

marry her,

desire to marry

though they shared a bed,

had been almost

that if he gave in,

he got drunk, she'd tried to take care of him. She kissed him