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

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

a playful grin, running his hand through his hair." What

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

that 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 man but

in place until her

as she stared at him. Her

up. I rushed over,

at me. Her eyes stayed glued to Matthew's gray

gently wiping her tears. "What's

reached up, barely touching

there's more of it than you have, so no need to worry anymore,

+25 BONUS

Chapter 199

stop. Her whole body shook

the first time I'd ever seen Lindey cry like

spoiled her, 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.

bottom of the stairs, Wayne caught

his hair turned gray

went