Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 48

Jessica returned to the hotel earlier than planned.

She'd thought about switching to a different hotel, but realized it didn't matter—if Timothy could track her down here, he'd find her anywhere.

So, she decided not to bother.

Maybe it was the weight of her emotions, but as soon as she got back, a dull ache started in her abdomen and wouldn't let up.

She took her medication, but it didn't help much.

Now, she lay on the bed, unable to sleep-pain gnawing at her, keeping her wide awake.

Meanwhile, Timothy's call was cut off the moment he dialed.

That's when it struck him: Jessica had blocked his number.

A strange, hollow ache settled in his chest.

He turned back to the hospital room, checked Henry's forehead with a hand towel -only to find it was already warm.

He quickly wrung out a fresh towel, folded it, and placed it gently on Henry's brow. Then, slipping Henry's smartwatch from his wrist, Timothy stepped into the hallway and tried Jessica's number once more.

Jessica's phone buzzed.

The caller ID said Henry.

She froze, gripping the phone tightly.

the end, she let the call ring

role

she was dying

use this time to let him slowly

the endless ringing on the speakerphone, until the call

have

wouldn't even answer her

dark eyes were as deep and cold

out of his way to buy her that

a small gesture of apology

branch, she just kept pushing him away, higher

Unbelievable.

the hospital room

a

had finally subsided, though a mild temperature lingered. At least it was

washbasin, tidied up the room, and carried everything into the bathroom.

look at Timothy's drawn face and spoke up, worry etched in her voice. "Timothy,

He just nodded.

concern obvious. "Go home and get some rest.

appreciate it," he said

the least I can do. You should really get some sleep. And if you run into

the mention of Jessica, Timothy's lips pressed into a

her? If he coddled her any more, she'd just

never realized just how