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.

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

trusted her he'd even insulted her outright. Even

steady, her words cool and even. "Mr. Lawson, can't we just put a period at the end of

were real. How am I supposed to just end

be erased

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, shouldn't

of the problem- he always left things unsaid, and every time their conversations broke off, their issues

pain and helplessness he'd never known before. It should have

Jessica protectively to his side and shot Timothy a cold look.

know all the details of Timothy and

families. He scolded Vince, "Watch

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

Zimmerman, are you

already divided in every way that matters. All that's left

until it was too late. People don't stand waiting forever, Timothy. As your elder, I suggest you see the doctor, then head home and

heavy with the concern of a father

and turned to

"Dad, why don't you and the others head home first? I'll