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.

and hugged him tightly,

I just needed some time alone. Lindey's been nagging at me nonstop, and now she's pulled

I was worried about him locking himself away for a whole day

shook my head against his shoulder, my throat tight

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

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

what he wants. Don't let this

someone before. Seeing Matthew like this broke my heart in a way I couldn't even explain, like

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

choices are his own, and he's gotta live with

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

+25 BONUS

Chapter 198

practically overnight.

tea," Matthew said, guiding me to sit by the

struck me. His back looked a little hunched, like the weight of everything had finally caught up to him. With his

black tea you brought over a while

reaching for the tea cabinet, froze. He just stood

wasn't right. I rushed over.