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.

“Herbert, it's a beautiful day out. What do you say we spend some time at the Zimmerman Estate? Maybe take a bike ride around the grounds?" she suggested, her tone light and hopeful.

She was, after all, the Zimmermans' daughter, and oddly enough, she'd 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 piece she'd made for her grandfather had been donated to the estate. She'd always wanted to see it in its new home.

"Sounds perfect. Where are you? I'll come pick you up."

"I'm already in a cab, you don't have to go out of your way. Let's just meet at the front gate of the estate."

Half an hour later, Jessica's taxi pulled up outside the Zimmerman Estate.

Timothy parked his car a little ways off and watched as Jessica stepped out of the cab.

Being back here, his mood grew heavy. Ever since he'd learned she was Salome Zimmerman, it struck him that he'd never brought her to this place-not once. Yet, this was her ancestral home. As kids, they'd both come here with the adults, laughing and playing in the gardens. Guilt gnawed at him.noveldrama

For so long, Jessica had been the perfect wife dutiful, quiet, always putting his needs first. He'd completely overlooked the fact that she needed support, too; that she had feelings, hopes, and desires of her own.

Jessica waited by the gate, scanning the area as if looking for someone.

Herbert lived

da fair distance away, so 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, his own grin broadening in the afternoon sun.

Their smiles were radiant, dazzling beneath the golden light.

The sight made Timothy's chest tighten. He felt a sharp, physical pain behind his eyes.

She can smile like that, he thought. She just never smiles like that at me.

Jessica and Herbert headed to the ticket booth together.

Entry was free for 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 inside.

The estate was sprawling. Over the years, it had been renovated and expanded for tourists. Elegant old buildings lined the walkways, and shaded paths wound through gardens and courtyards. There was even a lively street filled with restaurants, cafes, and little shops.

Jessica wanted to go cycling. Herbert went off to rent a tandem bike so the two of them could ride together and chat as they pedaled.

Timothy followed, keeping a careful distance. When he saw Jessica and Herbert climb onto the tandem bike, his hands clenched involuntarily.

It felt as though his blood was boiling, his whole body tense and restless. There was a metallic taste rising in his throat.

He knew-rationally-that nothing romantic would happen between Jessica and Herbert. Not back when they were married, not with Jessica's temperament. But things were different now.

Their divorce was nearly finalized. Once it was official, Jessica would be free to make her own choices, to move on if she wanted.

No. He couldn't just stand by and watch her grow closer to Herbert. He couldn't let her drift away-couldn't bear the thought of her falling for someone else.

Without another thought, Timothy strode to the rental stand, grabbed a tandem bike of his own, and set off after them.