Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince hauled Timothy to his feet and, furious, landed a punch squarely on his jaw. The veins on Vince's forehead bulged with anger.

Yates was right.

As long as Jessica stayed single, Timothy would never let her go.

The Zimmermans could forget about having peace.

Jessica lay motionless, refusing to give Timothy any reaction at all.

"Outside. Now." Vince's voice was low and icy, every word edged with warning.

Timothy glanced back at Jessica, but she kept her eyes closed, shutting him out completely. She didn't want to think about him anymore. Her heart wasn't just cold -it felt frozen.

Outside, dawn was just beginning to pale the sky.

Vince and Timothy stood facing each other in the early morning light.

"Are you planning to make my family's life hell forever?" Vince demanded.

"There's been a misunderstanding between me and Jessica," Timothy argued, desperate. "Things aren't what you think."

He was still trying, still clinging to the hope that he could save their marriage.

what you've done! Why can't you

them ruin everything isn't right. I know how much a real family means-I'm trying to fix

is!" Vince shot back. "You're too late, Timothy! Seven years, and only now you want to fix things? People can't just keep waiting for you to get

don't want to see you again.

little sister wasn't the type to scream or make scenes; it was Timothy's relentless pestering that kept hurting Jessica over and

stepped

or later, the

Her lashes were still damp, and faint streaks of dried

ached for

she didn't, she wouldn't have run from their

people only leave when

over to Daisy's bed. He gently felt her forehead-her fever seemed to have eased.

towel. ecool

at night, but by morning, things usually

disturb anyone further. He

home. Instead, he drove to

booked the ballroom at

wedding. Everything was ready, decorated just

romantic, every detail

was too late

third of the

That was fine.