Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Herbert's call was from his mother, reminding him to come home for dinner.

Jessica's call, on the other hand, came from Vince.

But Vince hung up almost immediately after dialing-he hadn't called to talk, just to nudge Jessica to check her messages.

[Jessica, are you still alone at your apartment?]

It was the night of the Thanksgiving Day. Vince figured that if Jessica wasn't joining the Lawson family, she'd probably be spending the holiday by herself, so he wanted to invite her over to the Zimmerman house.

While Herbert was on the phone, Jessica could tell from his tone that it was Mrs. Reynolds on the line. As soon as Herbert hung up, she quickly motioned for him to hurry home and waved him goodbye.

Once Herbert's car had pulled away, Jessica texted Vince back.

She didn't want Herbert's personal life or career to be affected because of her, so she told Vince the truth-she was spending the holiday alone at her apartment.

Vince's intention was clear: he wanted Jessica to come over for a family dinner to celebrate the holiday together.

Jessica didn't refuse. Vince told her to wait for him at the apartment complex entrance; he'd be there soon.

Afterward, Vince called Larkin to let him know that Jessica had agreed to join them.

Larkin was delighted, and immediately brought out the gift he'd been saving for Jessica.

Now, only Larkin and Vince lived at the Zimmerman house. Ever since Mrs. Zimmerman had fallen ill, she'd been receiving treatment overseas, and Vince had taken over running the family business. Their father was abroad with their mother, leaving the house feeling a little empty. That's why Larkin especially hoped Jessica could join them for the holiday.

Vince picked Jessica up, but couldn't help feeling puzzled.

On a night like this, Jessica should have been at the Lawson estate with Timothy, yet here she was-alone.

It seemed she truly was planning to divorce Timothy.

But since Jessica couldn't speak and Vince was driving, conversation was limited. The car ride was mostly quiet.

When they arrived at the Zimmerman home, Larkin's eyes misted over as he saw Jessica. It was impossible not to think of her grandmother.

"Come here, sweetheart. Sit by me," he said, his voice warm.

Vince guided Jessica over and pulled out a chair for her like a gentleman.

Jessica had barely sat down when her phone rang.

It was Timothy.

At that moment, Timothy had just arrived in Riverside City.

Larkin caught a glimpse of Timothy's name flashing on Jessica's phone screen.

But Jessica declined the call.noveldrama

She had no intention of hiding the situation between her and Timothy from the Zimmerman family. In fact, this was the perfect moment to

bring Dup. Vince and Larkin wolno

both kind, and Larkin, because of her grandmother, had always wanted to make Jessica his honoráry granddaughter. Maybe, with their help, she could finally get the divorce she wanted. But she'd never know unless she asked.

After seeing Jessica ignore Timothy's call, Larkin asked gently, "Sweetheart, did

you have a fight with Timothy?"

Earlier that day, Larkin had lamented

to Vince about how quiet the house felt during the holidays. He'd mentioned offhandedly how nice it would be if Jessica could join them forthe Thanksgiving Day.

Vince had immediately suggested inviting her.

Larkin hadn't expected Jessica to actually come. After all, with the Phelps family's traditional values, Jessica and Timothy should have been at the Lawson estate for a family dinner. The only reason she'd be at the Zimmerman house tonight was if something had gone wrong between husband and wife.

Jessica picked up her phone and typed a message for Larkin to read: “No, we

didn't fight. I'm getting a divorce."