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

lost my parents. Matthew nodded firmly at my words, but I could feel Lindey's worries creeping into my mind. I glanced at

handsome, aren't I?" Matthew said with a playful grin, running his hand through his hair." What do you

laugh, though my eyes filled with tears. "Yes, very handsome. You'll always be

as we were sharing that light moment, footsteps echoed on the stairs. Lindey's voice called out before she even appeared. "I swear, no one

doorway, her usual teasing smile in place until her

expression shifted to shock, disbelief flooding her face as she stared at him. Her gaze shook, and within seconds, tears started streaming down

I both stood up. I rushed

didn't even look at me. Her eyes stayed glued to Matthew's gray

wiping her tears. "What's wrong?

hand trembled as she reached up,

it's gray now. And there's more of it than you have, so no need

+25 BONUS

Chapter 199

she couldn't stop. Her whole body shook with

the first time I'd ever

she was sobbing uncontrollably, her hands clinging to his hair like the sight of it had

stairs, Wayne caught my eye. "What happened?

hair turned gray

went wide