On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 13

Dr. Main looked confused.

Susan frowned, her voice a tense whisper. “Are you dense? The kind that… helps things along between a man and a woman.”

A flash of awkwardness crossed the doctor’s face. He couldn’t believe a woman Susan’s age was still so adventurous. As her long-time physician, he felt compelled to advise her. “Susan, your heart isn’t what it used to be. Perhaps you shouldn’t…”

Susan’s face flushed with embarrassment. “What are you babbling about? It’s for Lance and Jessica!”

Understanding dawned on Dr. Main’s face. He quickly retrieved a small pill from his bag. “Have Mr. and Mrs. Smith dissolve this in a drink. It should work.”

Susan snatched the pill and clutched it in her hand.

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Before dinner, Susan looked at Catherine with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s getting late. I won’t keep you for dinner, Ms. Brown.”

Catherine stood up awkwardly and bowed respectfully. “Susan, I’ll take my leave then.” Her gaze shifted to Jessica. “Jessica, Father and our brothers miss you. Why don’t you come home with me for a visit?”

Jessica let out a cold snort.

“Well, alright then,” Catherine said, her smile faltering. She turned to Lance. “Lance, I’m heading out.”

Catherine cast a pointed look at Jessica. Amy, ever perceptive, understood immediately. She slid off the sofa and marched over to her mother. “I saw a picture of a little dog with a bloody head.”

Jessica watched her daughter in silence. Amy looked so much like her, who in turn looked so much like her own mother. Jessica had always thought of it as a beautiful maternal inheritance, but now, that familiar face was staring at her with disgust and suspicion. She could hear her heart breaking.

“Cute little puppies are so sweet,” Amy pressed on. “Why would you hurt a puppy? You have no love in your heart. I hate you even more now. Why do you have to be my mother?”

Jessica knelt to meet her daughter’s eyes. “Right now,” she said quietly, “I’m wondering the same thing. I’m very disappointed in you, too.”

Amy’s lower lip trembled. She tried to hold it in, but failed. A loud sob escaped her, and she burst into tears.