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

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,

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

help but laugh, though my eyes filled with tears.

Lindey's voice called out before

her usual teasing smile in place until her

flooding her face as she stared at him. Her gaze shook, and

I both stood up. I rushed

look at me. Her eyes stayed

wiping her tears. "What's wrong? Do I

reached up, barely touching his

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

+25 BONUS

Chapter 199

she couldn't stop. Her whole

first time I'd ever seen Lindey cry like

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 my eye. "What happened?

dad... his hair turned

went