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

Chapter 199

Yes, everyone grows old, but seeing someone age overnight? That hit different. It pulled at your heart in a way that was hard to put into words.

Matthew still brewed the tea, but even as I sipped it, all could taste was the bitterness.

"Take this tea with you. Brew it at home-it's good for your skin," he said, carefully packing up the rest of

the tea leaves for me.

He really did treat me like a daughter. And now, more than ever, I could feel the guilt behind his kindness.

I couldn't say no-it'd only make him feel worse.

"Alright, once I run out, I'll be back for more," I said, trying to keep my tone light, hoping to cut through the heaviness in the air.

"Good. Whatever you need, just ask. Rea, you're my daughter. You know that, right?" His voice was filled with sincerity.

I nodded. "And in my heart, you've always been like a father to me."

Back when I was in school, Matthew always came to my parent-teacher meetings

he insisted, saying his being there would make the principal and teachers take me more seriously. He never let me feel like an orphan in front of my classmates after I lost my parents. Matthew nodded firmly at my words, but

a playful grin, running his hand through his

with tears. "Yes, very handsome. You'll always

out before she even appeared. "I swear, no one can handle

usual teasing smile in

as she stared at him.

I both stood up. I

Her eyes stayed glued to Matthew's

tears.

she reached up, barely touching his

have, so no need to worry anymore, right?" Matthew tried to joke, brushing away more

+25 BONUS

Chapter 199

stop. Her whole body

first time I'd ever seen Lindey cry like

rare to ever see her cry. But today, she was sobbing uncontrollably, her hands clinging to his hair like the sight of it had shattered something inside her. Watching this moment unfold, I quietly slipped out

bottom of the stairs, Wayne caught my eye. "What happened? I

hair turned gray

went wide