On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 239

Hearing the word “mission,” Alexander sat up straight like a little soldier.

“Amanda Smith’s parents are getting a divorce,” George said in a low voice.

“I know,” Alexander nodded. “She was bragging about having one dad and two moms.”

“The other mother she talks about is someone Ms. Brown dislikes very much. But Ms. Brown wants to have a better relationship with Amanda. Do you know what to do?”

Being a George, Alexander understood instantly. “Don’t worry,” he said, puffing out his chest. “I’ll tell Amanda all the good things about Ms. Brown.”

…

Jessica moved back into her apartment at Willowbrook Gardens. The place was spotless, as if no one had lived there. After unpacking, she collapsed onto the downstairs sofa, too exhausted to even get a glass of water.

She heard footsteps and looked up to see George walking in. Their eyes met—hers like clear autumn pools, his like deep, dark abysses. When they collided, it felt as if ripples disturbed the calm water.

“I didn’t think you’d come back from The Kensington tonight,” she said with a smile. “Rebecca tried to make me dinner on Friday and ended up setting the apartment on fire. It’s still under repair, so I moved back here.”

George frowned. “Set it on fire?”

Jessica nodded, the memory of the thick black smoke still making her shudder. “Yeah. Luckily, the firefighters were quick. Otherwise, Rebecca could have been hurt. The windows of the upstairs and downstairs neighbors shattered, so she has to pay for all the repairs. Her own place needs a complete renovation.”

George went to the kitchen and brought her a glass of water before sitting down on the sofa.

“I’m at work during the day,” Jessica said. “I’ll only be here at night.”

She blushed. “I’m just curious!”

George beckoned her closer with a finger. “Come here.”

She leaned in.

“Alexander’s mother was Raymond’s college classmate. Her family wasn’t wealthy, and Arthur George forbade the relationship. Raymond threatened to cut ties with the family, but he was eventually worn down by the realities of poverty. Then he met Ms. Wood, the woman Arthur had originally chosen for him, and moved on. Six months later, the girl’s family showed up with Alexander, saying she had been too afraid to go home after getting pregnant and had died from complications during childbirth in a rented room.”

Jessica was stunned. She felt pity for the girl and for Alexander, and she blamed Raymond. But at the same time, a flicker of guilt pricked at her. Was she, in a way, the Ms. Wood of her own story? After all, Lance and Catherine had been close to getting together.

But then she reasoned with herself. Catherine hadn't been pregnant. And Jessica hadn't interfered when they were together; she had only agreed to marry Lance years after Catherine had left.