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

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 I could feel Lindey's worries creeping into my mind. I glanced at his graying hair, hesitating. "Matthew, Lindey's

Matthew said with a playful grin, running his hand through his hair."

my eyes filled with tears. "Yes, very

light moment, footsteps echoed on the stairs. Lindey's voice called out before she even appeared. "I swear, no one can handle this stubborn old

her usual teasing smile in place until her

as she stared at him. Her gaze shook, and within seconds, tears started streaming down her

both stood up. I rushed over, worried

Her eyes stayed glued

stepped closer, gently wiping her tears. "What's wrong? Do I look ugly

hand trembled as she reached up, barely

it's gray now. And there's more of it than you have, so no need to worry anymore, right?" Matthew tried to joke,

+25 BONUS

Chapter 199

stop. Her whole

was the first time I'd ever

and it was 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

the stairs, Wayne caught my

dad... his hair

eyes went