Goodbye, Mr. Regret

If only she'd known it was because of her...

Jessica wanted to reply to Herbert's message, but her fingers hovered over the screen and stopped. She had nothing to say to him—not yet.

Maybe after the hearing tomorrow.

That night, Vince ended up going to the hospital.

Timothy was lying in bed, but when he saw Vince come in, he pulled himself upright, trying to look composed.

Vince's face was grim. "Not planning to check out?"noveldrama

Timothy's answer was dead serious. "The doctor says I shouldn't leave yet."

Vince snorted. "You had major surgery just a few days ago and managed to charter a jet out of the country. If you could get discharged then, you're really listening to the doctor now? Over this minor injury?"

Timothy looked indignant. "This is an injury on top of an injury. Didn't you hear the doctor this afternoon? He said if I don't rest, my leg could be permanently damaged. If that happens, Jessy won't want me anymore."

Vince almost laughed. Now he was afraid of Jessy leaving him? Where was that fear before?

"Cut the act. With everything you've done, once this goes to court, the divorce is inevitable. If you want to save some dignity, why not just settle and sign the papers?"

Timothy was silent for a long moment before replying, "Vince, I won't keep you in the dark for much longer. Just give me a little time to handle things with Jessy. I promise, I'll make sure your sister comes back to you safe and sound. Okay?"

"Whatever. I didn't come here tonight just for my sister. For Jessica's sake, are you willing to back down?"

"No." Timothy's answer was sharp and final, leaving no room for negotiation.

The man was infuriating.

"You're hopeless."

Timothy's voice was weary. "I know you all want me to consider others, but I just can't. I can barely manage my own mess, let alone take care of everyone else's."

"Do you really have to put on this act? If you actually cared about her, you had seven years to prove it. You ignored her when she was right by your side, and now that she's leaving, you start this performance. You're so convincing, you've almost managed to fool yourself."

Timothy pressed his brow, a deep crease forming between his eyes. Why couldn't they see he was being sincere? Why did everyone assume he was faking it?

He couldn't fake a child, could he? He wasn't the type to sleep around with just anyone.

"Believe what you want."

"Fine. What I think doesn't matter. The real question is does Jessica believe you?"

That hit the mark.

"I'll find a way."

"I'm sure you'll try," Vince said dryly. "I'm actually curious to see just how shameless you can get in court tomorrow."

He had known this would be a wasted trip-even before he came. Vince understood Timothy better than anyone. Still, he'd stubbornly hoped that Timothy might waver, that a moment of hesitation could open the door to reason.

But no. There was nothing.

Vince stood and headed for the door. At the threshold, he turned back, his voice icy. "You'll regret this someday."

He left Timothy alone.

But Timothy wasn't worried about regret. The only thing he cared about was not regretting this moment. If he didn't do this, he'd regret it now.

The next morning.

Jessica dressed carefully, pausing in front of the mirror to take a deep breath. She'd waited so long for this day; two months had felt like a lifetime. Once the divorce was final, she could focus on her health and her work-finally, some peace.

The housekeeper from the Zimmerman family called her down for breakfast.

Larkin saw her come in, looking elegant and radiant, and couldn't help but smile. No wonder Timothy fell for her-even when she barely spoke a word. If she'd been this charging from the start, men would be lining up around the block.

After breakfast, Larkin made a point of teasing her, “Jessy, after you leave Timothy today, you'd better give our Vince a chance. He's first in line!"

Jessica blushed at Larkin's words.

She didn't have those kinds of

feelings for Vince. It was more trust, even dependence-he felt like an older brother to her. She couldn't bring herself to refuse Larkin directly and risk burting her feelings, so, cheeks still pink, she headed out with Vince.

In the car, just as Jessica was about to mention it, Vince spoke first. "Jessy, no matter what happens today, promise me you won't let it get you down, alright?"

He suspected the hearing might not even take place. He was afraid that after all Jessica's anticipation, things might not go as planned.

Jessica nodded. She was prepared. Timothy had done everything to stall this divorce; it was unlikely he'd make things easy for her now. But she wasn't afraid— he'd already given her the best card to play.

They arrived at the courthouse.

The entire Lawson family was there, even Sallie Lawson had returned, along with Sandra, Abell, and Sheila.

Timothy's relatives all approached Jessica, but she barely glanced at them. Without saying a word, she walked straight into the courtroom.

When the hearing began, Jessica and her attorney, Marquis, took their seats at the plaintiff's table.

Soon, the defendant's lawyer entered and sat down, but the defendant's chair remained empty.

Not that it mattered. As long as Timothy's lawyer was there, the hearing could proceed.