Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince's eyes reddened instantly. "You silly girl, it's been over three months-why didn't you ever say a word?"

"When I was diagnosed, the doctor said I'd missed the window for surgery. I only had six months left, so I thought I'd get divorced and spend my last days alone. But as time went on, so many things changed my mind. Like when Ines first wanted to introduce me to Mr. Smith, and he said he could recommend a specialist from abroad to treat my aphasia. I didn't take the offer. I figured nothing could be fixed in six months, and I couldn't keep working in animation anyway. But after everything that happened with them—father and son—I started wanting to live for myself. Then, when I unexpectedly spoke again, Herbert's people said my aphasia could actually be cured..."

Jessica poured out everything she'd kept bottled up, letting Vince see the twists and turns of her heart during those dark days.

Vince felt as if someone was carving up his chest with a knife.

"Does Timothy know?"

Jessica shook her head. "No, he doesn't."

"You're this sick, and he didn't notice at all?"

A wry smile tugged at Jessica's lips. "His heart was never with me. Even if I coughed up blood in front of him, it wouldn't occur to him that I was sick."

"You actually did cough up blood in front of him, and he didn't do anything?" She nodded.

cared about rushing Sheila to the hospital. Whether Jessica was spitting

Timothy. Earlier today, when he'd seen Timothy coughing up blood, Vince

he bitterly

he'd never feel sorry

ever saw him, the only proper response would be to drive

right now for a full check-up. I'll find you the very best doctors.

'm already doing much better. Last time I was abroad, I got checked out, and the doctors said the cancer cells were under control, and might be eligible for a liver transplant. I went to Hollis mainly to see

You have me. I'll get tested, and if I'm a match, I'll

let you die, I

Vince's arms. She'd known

do anything to save

tell Mom and

I won't. They wouldn't be able to take it. Honestly, I can hardly believe it myself. Jessy, my heart is breaking for you. You've

threatening. "I never imagined you had

cared for you. My poor