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

Chapter 187

Steve's smile instantly froze. He looked at me, thrown off. "Why are you asking about that?"

"I just want to visit," I said.

He studied me for a moment, a mix of confusion and concern in his eyes.

was sure Steve had

I didn't explain further or mention that Jace had been involved in Desmond's death. I was no idea if he did, he would've cut Jace off a long time ago. "Did something happen?" Steve asked, his voice tinged with worry.

I didn't answer directly. "Just take me there."

Seeing that I wasn't going to explain more, Steve sighed and nodded. He agreed to take me to Desmond's grave, though I could tell he was still wary.

When we got to the cemetery, we saw Desmond's parents standing by his grave. Even from a distance, we could hear his mom's heart-wrenching sobs, mixed with angry curses.

I couldn't make out who she was cursing, but I could guess-Tanya.

them, so Steve and I hung back, waiting

they walked past us, Desmond's dad had his arm wrapped around his frail wife. They looked

still crying softly, her sobs hitting me like a punch to the

world had crumbled, and all that was left

go and sighed. "Desmond left them

words stung, and I couldn't hold back.

He hadn't chosen to die-he'd been crushed by the betrayal, by the weight of it all. That's what led to the accident. ""Hm?" Steve

Instead, I gripped the flowers in my hand and walked

he always had-bright, carefree,

one should have to carry. The kind of betrayal that shatters a person. I could almost picture the moment when everything he thought he knew came crashing

find the right words. Nothing I could say

glancing at me when he noticed I wasn't speaking.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 187

kept asking when you could come to Keira and Jace's wedding. Well, no need to ask anymore. It's not happening. They broke up." When he finished, the quiet settled in

staring at Desmond's grave, feeling the weight of

in Desmond's photo seemed to shift-first into sadness, then anger. A