Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Zachary and Mrs. Zimmerman climbed into the car while Jessica stood on the curb, watching them drive away.

As soon as the door closed, Zachary turned to Mrs. Zimmerman. "I think we should get Jessica her own car-something comfortable, with a driver. She'll need

it to get around, especially with everything going on."

Mrs. Zimmerman nodded in agreement, and instructed their chauffeur to take them straight to the dealership.

Meanwhile, Timothy had just stepped outside. From a distance, he caught sight of the family together, but he didn't approach. He lingered on the sidewalk, letting them leave before heading toward his own car.

Jessica walked out through the hospital's front entrance, and only then did Timothy start his engine and follow her at a distance.

When Jessica hailed a cab, Timothy kept his car close behind, trailing her through the city streets.

Inside the taxi, Jessica pulled out her phone and dialed Herbert Wheeler.

Herbert answered almost immediately, his voice brightening the moment he heard

it was her. He was clearly thrilled that she was back and wanted to meet up.

time at the Zimmerman Estate? Maybe take a bike ride around the grounds?" she suggested, her tone light

never really explored the old family mansion. The last time she'd thought about it was during a children's art contest, when the host had mentioned that the paper- cutting

perfect. Where are you? I'll

don't have to go out of your way. Let's just meet at the front

hour later, Jessica's taxi pulled up outside

his car a little ways off and watched as Jessica stepped out of

this place-not once. Yet, this was her ancestral home. As kids,

had been the perfect wife dutiful, quiet, always putting his needs first. He'd completely overlooked the fact that she needed

scanning the area as if

Herbert lived

he arrived about five minutes later. The moment he parked and climbed out, Jessica's face lit up-she wayed to him beaming. Herbert strode over,

smiles were radiant, dazzling beneath the golden

felt a

that, he thought. She just never smiles like that at

headed to the ticket

members of the Zimmerman family, but Jessica's current ID didn't reflect her family name. She didn't let it bother her; instead, she happily bought two tickets, and the pair walked