Goodbye, Mr. Regret

This was a matter of utmost importance he couldn't risk anyone else finding out.

He had to deliver it himself for verification.

The moment Vince received the message, he set out immediately, anxiety gnawing at him the entire drive. Timothy had gone to see Jessica so quickly- would it end in a confrontation?

He couldn't help but wonder if things might get ugly.

When Vince arrived, the apartment door was already open. Two paramedics stood in the hallway, looking like they'd just finished their work.

He stepped inside, calling out, "Timothy?"

"In the bedroom," Timothy's voice answered from within.

Vince walked to the master bedroom doorway and saw Timothy's hospital bed pressed right up against the side of the room's regular bed.

Leaning against the doorframe, Vince let out a long breath. "Look at you-do you even recognize yourself? Are you sure you're still the CEO of Lawson Industries?"

Timothy was battered and bruised, one leg in a cast, bandages damp and clothes still clinging with wet stains. Even the hair at his forehead was still half-damp.

He looked like someone had thrown water on him.

He looked, in a word, miserable.

"You're one to talk!" Timothy shot back.

Vince pinched the bridge of his nose. "Where's Jessica?"

"She left."

"She left? Then why exactly did you call me here?"

Vince was completely at a loss.

"My mobility's shot. I need you to find her and bring her back. When you do, let me know."

"Seriously? That's it?"

Timothy nodded slightly.

"You couldn't have told me this over the phone? You really had to drag me all the way here? I worried the whole way over!"

Timothy squinted at him. "You're the one who started this mess. The least you can do is run around a little for me-after all, look at

leg."

Vince rolled his eyes. "And what about you? You're just going to wait here?"

"What else can I do?"

If he didn't stay close, he had a terrible feeling she'd disappear for good.

Vince shook his head in

exasperation. "You waiting here isn't going to bring her back, Timothy. Have a little self-respect, will you? She left as soon as you showed up-

-she clearly doesn't want to see you. How much more obvious can she make it? Seriously, how do you manage to be this thick-skinned? I remember you used to care about your pride. Doesn't it feel awkward just hanging around here? For God's sake, just give her some space, will you?"

Timothy shot back, “Easy for you to say. You have no idea how much trouble you've caused me. If it were anyone else, you wouldn't even have the chance to stand here talking to me."

Timothy and the Zimmermans had always been close. Back in

kindergarten, when Timothy was in the older class, Vince's little sister was in the younger one. They'd walk to school together, and she'd often come looking for him during recess-so much that people sometimes mistook her for hisnoveldrama

actual sister.

They'd been inseparable as kids. Then, one terrible day, Vince's sister disappeared. She'd been taking a birthday cake over to the Lawsons' for Timothy, and she never came back.

Timothy's birthday was also the anniversary of his mother's passing. Since he was born, he'd never celebrated his birthday, nor had he ever invited Vince's sister to join him on that day.

The Zimmermans understood and never blamed Timothy for what happened.

Maybe that was why, all these years, Timothy had tolerated Vince more than anyone else.

Vince straightened, his voice turning cold. "Honestly, I don't know what to say to you anymore. I'm trying to help Jessica, but I've given you every warning I can. You'll still have time to win her back later-why are you so stubborn?"

That day, Vince had told him to focus on his recovery, or he might not even make it to court.

Timothy knew exactly what he meant.

Yet, he couldn't stand this feeling of losing control. He just couldn't let go of the hope that everything might go back to the way it used to be.