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.

end, she let

fill the role of 'Mom.'

was

use this time to let him slowly

to the endless ringing on the speakerphone, until the call dropped by

have

even answer her

as deep and cold

way to buy her that voice-activated ring, even brought it

small gesture of apology

she just kept pushing

Unbelievable.

room and

was a long,

Henry's fever had finally subsided, though a

washbasin, tidied up the room, and carried everything into

drawn face and spoke up, worry etched in her voice. "Timothy, you haven't

He just nodded.

hurried to his side, her concern obvious. "Go

it,"

Henry's always been so sweet to me-taking care of him is the least I can do. You should really get some sleep. And if you

Timothy's lips pressed

any more, she'd just walk

marriage, and he'd never realized just how stubborn