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

Chapter 198

"Matthew..." I stammered, my voice shaky with shock.

"Rea," he said, giving me a strained smile.

"Your hair..." I reached out, instinctively wanting to touch it.

He frowned, confused. "What about my hair? Is it messy?"

Suddenly, tears started streaming down my face.

vare

Seeing me cry, he looked even more confused. "What's going on? Why are you crying? Did Lindey say something to upset you? Don't listen to her, you know how she is."

It hit me he hadn't even noticed that his hair had turned almost completely gray.

Just a few days ago, his hair was still black. But now? It wasn't totally gray, but at least eighty percent of it had gone silver.

He looked like a completely different person, like he'd aged decades in just a few days. From a strong, middle-aged man to someone who seemed... fragile.

I couldn't find the words. Especially since he had no idea what had happened to him.

forward and hugged him tightly,

don't cry. I'm fine. I just needed some time alone. Lindey's been nagging

I was worried about him locking himself away

shook my head against his shoulder, my throat tight like

down for a bit. I'll make us some

through it. He was just putting up a front, trying to keep me from worrying. The gray in his hair said

he wants. Don't let this tear you apart. Please, don't let

Seeing Matthew like this broke my heart in a way

many times, Rea. And I've had time to think-it's because we spoiled him.

now. His choices are his own, and he's gotta live with the

said, trying to

easygoing he usually seemed-whether Lindey was nagging or people were criticizing him-deep down, his convictions were rock solid. I never imagined Jace's choice of a girlfriend or wife would hit him this hard. Enough to

+25 BONUS

Chapter 198

practically overnight.

have some tea," Matthew said, guiding me to sit

like the weight of everything had finally caught up to him. With

make you that black tea you brought over a while ago. I've been saving it for..."

He just stood

I rushed