On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 48

Jessica took a deep breath. “It’s not what you think. I…”

“What I think?” Lance cut her off. “Weren’t you just getting out of that guy’s car? That piece of junk he drives? Have your standards really fallen that low, Jessica?”

She shoved him away with all her strength. “And what about you?” she shot back, her voice dripping with scorn. “You said you’d be at the hospital in five minutes, but you’re only just showing up now. You left Amy alone all this time. What kind of father does that make you?”

“That’s because you were too busy sneaking off to meet some guy while your daughter is sick!” he retorted. “Besides, Catherine was there. She’s a hundred times a better mother to Amy than you’ll ever be!”

Jessica clenched her jaw, taking a step back. “Lance, I don’t want to fight with you. There’s no point, since we’re getting a divorce soon anyway.”

A wave of defeat washed over her as she said the words. She turned and walked back toward the hospital entrance.

Lance watched her go, his hands balled into fists. “Divorce? Don’t even think about it.”

Back in the hospital room, Amy was asleep. Catherine sat by the bed, looking exhausted. “Lance, Jessica, you’re back.”

Lance stalked over to the sofa and threw himself down, his anger palpable.

Catherine managed a weak smile. “Did you two fight again? Honestly, you’re like children. Amy’s still sick. It would break her heart to see you two like this.” She went to Lance’s side. “It’s getting late. I should probably head home.”

Across the room, Lance was staring at his phone, but the blue light illuminating his face revealed that his eyes were fixed on Jessica. He hadn't seen her smile like that in a long time. In the year before she was institutionalized, she had been a bitter, resentful woman who acted as if the whole world had wronged her. After she got out, she was even more withdrawn, her words always laced with poison.

Half an hour after Catherine left, Amy woke up.

“Amy,” Jessica whispered, leaning closer.

The little girl’s eyes were still heavy with sleep. She rubbed them hard, and as the world came into focus, her face twisted in terror.

“Go away!” she shrieked, her voice filled with panic.