Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Herbert."

Jessica's voice broke as she interrupted him, her words trembling with emotion. "Why are you so foolish?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were leaving the Wheeler family?"

"Why didn't you ever mention you'd spent seven years researching aphasia for my sake?"

"You came back to find me just to help me get better, didn't you?"

Herbert's eyes darkened, his expression freezing for a few seconds. Then, awkwardly, he forced a smile. "Who put that nonsense in your head? Whoever told you must be trying to upset you."

Sallie, overhearing the exchange, was completely stunned.

It was Herbert who had spent seven years researching Jessica's aphasia-and cured her?

Tears spilled down Jessica's cheeks. She shook her head. "No one told me. I saw the news about you leaving the Wheeler family. Just now, I overheard the nurses talking about the scientist who spent seven years on aphasia research. That's when I realized it was you. Herbert, you've done so much for me. How could I ever repay you?”

"Silly girl, who said you have to repay me? I'm a doctor-when I find a treatment for a disease, it's not just for you, it helps so many others. You should be proud. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been inspired to focus on this at all. Lately, I've heard from so many people who've regained their voices-thanks to you. You're their lucky star. And besides, I've won awards and my reputation's soared. Haven't you helped me just as much?"

Herbert kept trying to downplay everything, hoping Jessica wouldn't feel pressured or indebted.

He had never needed anything from her. Everything he'd done, he'd done willingly.noveldrama

And he knew, deep down, that Jessica's heart still clung to Timothy. The look in her eyes yesterday, when she gently wiped the blood from Timothy's lips, said it all-her love wasn't for Herbert.

If she loved Timothy, Herbert would still wish her happiness.

For him, love had never been about possession. It was about seeing her happy.

Suddenly, Jessica threw her arms around Herbert, burying herself in his embrace. Someone who'd given so much for her deserved at least a hug.

But even a hug felt like it couldn't possibly be enough.

Sallie panicked.

She worried that this moment would tip the scales-that Jessica would choose Herbert and leave Timothy behind.

If Jessica really gave up on Timothy, she was afraid Timothy would lose his mind.

She took a step forward, but someone grabbed her wrist.

She turned in surprise. It was Vince.

Vince's tone was cold and sharp. "What are you doing?"

"She's still Timothy's wife. How can she just hug another man like that? Herbert helped her, fine, but the Lawson family can pay him-teh times, a hundred times the medical bilts, whatever it takes."

Vince shoved Sallie aside, and she stumbled back onto a chair.

"Is money all you ever think about? Do you really think Herbert needs it?"

Vince was furious at her words.

"But what else am I supposed to do?

Just

choose Herbert over belongs

about Timothy?" Content

25 and by and watch Jessy

Vince let out a cold laugh. "Maybe you should ask your perfect little brother if he's ever given as much to Jessy-if he's ever devoted himself to her the way Herbert has

"He nearly died this time saving Jessy. Why can't you see that?" Vince's smile turned colder still as he continued, "_"