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, the tears flowing

back gently. "Don't cry, don't cry. I'm fine. I just needed some time alone. Lindey's been nagging at me nonstop, and now she's pulled you into

I was crying because I was worried about him locking himself away for a

shook my head against his shoulder, my throat tight like I couldn't

for a bit. I'll make us some tea," Matthew said, his

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

let Jace do what he wants. Don't let this tear you apart. Please, don't let it get

my heart

time to think-it's because

Jace is grown now. His choices are his own, and he's gotta live

said, trying to

could tell my words hadn't hit home. He was as stubborn as they come. No matter how calm or 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.

me. Let's have some tea," Matthew said, guiding me to sit by the tea table before he went to fetch the

I watched him walk away, something about his posture struck me. His back looked a little hunched, like the weight of everything had finally caught up to him. With his gray hair, he suddenly

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

hand, reaching for the tea cabinet, froze. He just stood

wasn't right. I rushed over.