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

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

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

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

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

into the doorway, her usual teasing smile in

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

and I both stood up. I rushed over, worried she might

look at me. Her

her tears. "What's

trembled as she reached up, barely touching his hair.

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

+25 BONUS

Chapter 199

couldn't stop. Her whole body shook

I'd ever seen Lindey cry like

cry. But today, she was sobbing uncontrollably, her hands clinging to his hair like the sight of it had shattered something inside

stairs, Wayne caught my

his hair turned gray

went wide