Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 232

Chapter 224

Although Vince had bought Jessica's paper cuttings, giving her enough money to avoid returning to The Gilded

Whisper Estates and enduring Timothy's moods, she didn't feel grateful in the way people might expect. Yes,

he'd done her a huge favor. But she had no intention of badmouthing Timothy in front of Vince.

After all, she'd chosen this path herself; whatever went wrong, she was willing to shoulder the consequences.

Besides, she wasn't the type to gossip, especially about things that were messy and best left unsaid. She and

Vince weren't close enough to spill personal grievances anyway.

Vince was Timothy's friend. In time, he'd find out the real reasons for the divorce. When it cto Sheila, Vince

probably knew more than Jessica did.

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

"Every family has its own troubles," she replied with a single line, explaining her decision to leave.

Vince could tell she didn't want to elaborate, so he didn't press.

After breakfast, Jessica waved goodbye to Vince and caught a cab on her own, heading to Herbert's hospital.

Herbert worked in the Neurology Department at Verdant Grove Healing, part of The Wheeler Group.

When Jessica arrived at his office, Herbert immediately pulled out a chair for her. He was wearing a white coat

and a stethoscope hung around his neck; a few strands of hair fell across his forehead, giving him a crisp,

professional look. The gold-rimmed glasses made him seem even more composed and capable.

Anyone who hadn't known him as a streetwise kid always getting into fights would never have guessed he'd

grow into such an accomplished man.

After slipping on a pair of disposable gloves and sanitizing his laryngoscope, Herbert sat down and said gently,

"Alright, Little Mute, open your mouth and lettake a look at your vocal cords."

Jessica believed in being honest with her doctor-after all, full disclosure was best for treatment. She signed,

Actually, when you calledyesterday, I'd just woken from a nightmare. In the dream, | was making sounds,

and when | woke up, | tried it out | think I really could make a sound. But when I try, my throat burns and stings.

Behind his glasses, Herbert's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's wonderful news. Being able to make any sound

at all is a huge step. Considering you haven't spoken in years, it's normal for your vocal cords to be sensitive to

the vibration. Don't be afraid. Lettake a look and we'll go from there."

Jessica opened her mouth, and Herbert examined her throat with care. When he finished, he put away his tools

and explained patiently, "Your vocal cords have atrophied a bit, but it's nothing serious. If you feel pain, try to

speak more softly and gradually build up. I'll prescribe something to help ease the discomfort. For now, let's try

ssimple vowel sounds. Don't worry if your voice is quiet-just lethear."

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

Following his instructions, Jessica tried to vocalize.

"A...o...e.."

The sounds were faint and broken, every syllable a struggle. Her voice was scratchy and weak.

Herbert immediately poured her a cup of warm water. "Sip this slowly and let it linger in your throat. It'll help

soothe the pain."

Jessica took tiny sips, letting the warmth ease the burning sensation.

Herbert lowered his voice, gentle and reassuring. "You lost your speech because of trauma—usually that's due to

neurological factors. The fact that you're making sounds again means your brain is trying to heal itself. Once you

finish your water, I'll take you for a brain scan. | really believe you'll recover faster than you think."