Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 6

Tanya had a close call; her baby was saved, and now she was back in her hospital room. Her face was pale and drawn, her eyes red and puffy, making her look fragile and pitiful. "Don't worry, the baby is fine," Jace reassured her.

"Jace, I was so scared," Tanya began to cry.

Jace handed her a tissue, and she took it, grabbing his hand and resting her tear-streaked face on it.

'She might be pitiful, but does being pitiful give her the right to treat my fiancé as her own?" I thought.

I walked over. 'Mrs. Blake, the doctor said that strong emotions are bad for the baby. You barely managed to save the child. If something happens again because you're crying like this, it would be terrible."

I reached out to support her, subtly pulling her away.

Seeing her tears on Jace's hand still made me uncomfortable, like something of mine had been tainted by someone else. I was a bit of a clean freak, both in life and in love.

T

Tanya seemed taken aback when I called her Mrs. Blake. Her face visibly stiffened but she quickly regained her composure.

"Jace, I'm sorry, I..." She reached for a tissue to wipe Jace's hand.

I stopped her. "You shouldn't move around too much right now."

Her face stiffened again, her tear-filled eyes looking at Jace with obvious affection.

Once Jace and I left the room, I asked him directly, "Does Tanya like you?"

"No!" he denied immediately.

"Do you like her?" I pressed, wanting to clear things up once and for all.

Jace's face tensed, and after a few seconds, he finally muttered, "We're just friends..."

'Just friends?"

"Desmond isn't here anymore. When he was dying, he held my hand and asked me to take care of her..." Jace's voice trembled, his hands shaking as well.

It was clear that bringing up Desmond's death always upset him. This wasn't the first time.

Seeing him like this made my heart ache. "I didn't mean anything, it's just that Tanya seems very dependent on you."

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because she's pregnant and alone," Jace explained, hist gloomy eyes falling

more could I say? Still, I reminded him,

want to see another scene like the

"Yeah, I understand..."

the urgent sound

and saw a group of people rushing toward us with

aside, I heard Jace's voice, "Watch out!" and he pulled me out of the way. The stretcher sped past us

chest, his

school event, and Jace had caught me. He reassured me and carried me to the infirmary. That was the first time I heard his heartbeat, so rapid and frantic. That was also the moment I

still fast, still because of

other thoughts, and snuggled closer to Jace's chest. "Let's

I'll let Tanya know, Jace said, kissing my

at the door instead of going

hear what Jace said to Tanya, but as he came out, I

residence, his parents, Matthew Johnston and Lindey Jewell, were still awake, sitting on the couch watching TV. Neither of them spoke to

Matthew and Lindey didn't talk much. I once asked Lindey about it, and she said that after so many years of marriage, seeing each other every day, what was there to talk about? Jace had told

what love would look like

"Dad, Mom, I'm home."

2/4

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"Hi, Lindey, Matthew."

and I

If not, there's some food left

turned to me. "Are you

eaten much for dinner, but I wasn't hungry

upstairs and rest. I'll have Isabel bring you some milk later," Lindey

smile.

the

her smile felt off. I didn't dwell on it, though, and headed upstairs. When I opened the door, I was taken aback and turned to look at

already come up. "Rea, I forgot to mention, earlier, we need to get Jace's room ready as your wedding

we're moving out. Why bother preparing

stay here. During holidays or when it gets late, you'll still need a place to stay," Lindey replied, giving him a playful glare. She pulled him to my door. "You two are getting married soon. There's no issue with you

words to Steve echoed in my mind, leaving me momentarily

problem," Jace answered

second, he had his arm around my shoulder, guiding

the room.

out as he

atmosphere was awkward, with a

bed made up in wedding-themed linens,