Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sandra could only shake her head in resignation.

Vince was just reaching the ER doctor's office with Jessica in his arms when she suddenly opened her eyes, disoriented to find herself in a hospital.

Panic flickered across her face. She quickly tugged at Vince's sleeve. "I'm fine, really. You can put me down."

"We're already at the doctor's office. Let's just have you checked out."

Jessica had barely made it home before her parents were overwhelmed with joy. If they saw her coming into the hospital now, there'd be no way to hide her cancer from them.

She had always planned to tell Vince first. Letting their parents know so soon would only devastate them-especially their mother.

Trying to sound casual, Jessica explained, "I just got a little woozy when I saw Timothy's wound. I just need a minute to recover."

It was true. She'd been through enough to understand. Some people aren't normally squeamish, but when someone they care about is hurt badly, it can trigger a fainting response. That's exactly what happened to her.

Timothy appeared just then, catching the tail end of her words. He hurried over. "Jessy, you still care about me, don't you?"

Everyone turned as Timothy approached, and the mood soured instantly.

worry, hope, or longing Timothy's eyes held, Jessica felt nothing for

married for seven years, and still, he hadn't trusted her he'd even insulted her outright.

Lawson, can't we just put a

those years were real. How am I supposed to just end

couldn't be

shouldn't have doubted you. I shouldn't have lashed out. I never meant to refuse your calls for help that stormy night—I tried to get to you. I promised I'd file for divorce and I meant it. I just... realized there's so much we never talked about. Even if we're ending things,

problem- he always left things

him pain and helplessness he'd never known before. It should have been simple,

side and shot Timothy a cold look. "Timothy,

all the details of

keep the peace between the families. He scolded Vince, "Watch your manners. There's no need for that kind

the paperwork's done. Divorce will be finalized soon. Jessy clearly has no intention of getting back together. She went missing, her background's still unclean She was supposed to marry Yates, but ended up with you instead-this whole thing

Zimmerman, are you saying you want

are already divided in every way that matters. All that's left is a signature. The fact that you're here, trying to

forever, Timothy. As your elder, I suggest you

were heavy with the concern of a father figure. Timothy, though stubborn,

turned to

to say, too. He nodded to Zachary. "Dad, why don't you and the others head home first? I'll catch up after