On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 67

Lance overheard the call and immediately spun the car around, executing a dangerous U-turn that nearly caused a collision with the car behind them. The other driver laid on the horn and rolled down his window, shouting obscenities.

“Are you insane? Got a death wish? Think you own the road in that stupid SUV? Making a U-turn on a one-way street! I hope you crash and burn!”

The tirade was vicious, but Lance paid it no mind. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead, ignoring the GPS as it repeatedly warned him he was exceeding the speed limit.

Jessica gripped the handle above her door, her body swaying as the car weaved recklessly through traffic.

“What did you feed her?” Lance demanded, his voice laced with accusation.

Jessica frowned. She had been so careful, feeding Amy simple, home-style meals. She had even checked with the restaurant’s kitchen staff and chatted with other mothers there, who all recommended the place.

When she didn’t answer, Lance took it as a sign of guilt. “You know she has a sensitive stomach!”

“I didn’t give her anything unclean,” Jessica said, her voice firm. “You’re the one who knows her stomach is sensitive, so why did you let Catherine give her ice cream?”

That only made him angrier. “There you go again, Jessica. Always deflecting blame. The fact is, when Amy was with Catherine, she never once had a stomach issue!”

Jessica said nothing more. When someone is determined to find fault in you, even the simple act of breathing becomes a crime.

The way he said her name reminded her of the day he’d proposed. He had spoken her name just like that, one syllable at a time, but his voice had been gentle then. He had been the kind older brother who, along with her own brothers, had always made her laugh and feel cherished. Not like this. Now, each word was ground out between clenched teeth, as if even speaking her name was a concession.

A cool breeze blew across the terrace, and Jessica wrapped her arms around herself. A stray lock of hair fell across her forehead, and her thin frame trembled in the wind.

Lance’s throat worked. “After all this, you still want a divorce?”

Jessica nodded.

He bit down hard on the cigarette filter between his lips. “Jessica, Amy is lying in a hospital bed, and this is what you’re thinking about? Do you have a heart? Or are you the only person who ever matters to you?”