On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 5

Jessica gave Amy one last, long look before turning and pulling her suitcase out the door.

As she watched her mother’s back disappear, a strange feeling of loss pricked at Amy. An unsettling panic fluttered in her chest. She turned to look outside again, but Jessica was already gone, swallowed by the darkness.

Amy pressed her lips together.

She couldn’t have a crazy person for a mother. Mom Catherine said the other kids at preschool would make fun of her. She needed a pretty, fashionable mother like Mom Catherine. That would make her feel important.

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Jessica left Lakeview Heights without a penny to her name. She couldn’t go back to the Brown estate, not since Catherine and her mother had taken over.

Fortunately, her own mother had left her a small apartment before she died. At least she had a roof over her head. Jessica finally understood why women were so adamant about buying their own property before marriage. Even a tiny studio could be a sanctuary from the humiliation of a failed relationship.

She let herself into the apartment, went straight to the bedroom, and collapsed onto the soft mattress, every inch of her body aching. She buried her face in the covers.

Rebecca stood with her arms crossed. They were the same height, but her four-inch heels gave her a distinct advantage. “Look at you, Jessica. You look like a ghost. Is this what that perfect marriage you were so proud of has done to you? Turned the most dazzling girl in Cabinda into a bitter hag?”

Rebecca was her age. They had been in the same class since kindergarten, and Rebecca had competed with her in everything. But for the first half of their lives, wherever Jessica was, Rebecca was always second best. She had even tried to win over Lance Smith, only to fail at that too.

Seeing Jessica in her current state, Rebecca let out a cold laugh. “You know, I’m glad I didn’t manage to steal Lance from you back then. Otherwise, I’d be the one looking like a homeless housewife today. Thanks for not letting me win.”

Jessica’s gaze was flat. The old Jessica would have fought back, but six months in the institution had changed her. “Are you done? I’m leaving if you’re done.”