Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 528

+25 BONUS

The lights in the Johnston main hall were blinding, making everything feel sharper, more intense.

Lindey didn't give me her usual warm welcome. Instead, her expression was all nerves.

Matthew just sat there, still as a statue.

I couldn't ignore how frail he looked now-thinner, with hair that had gone almost completely white. But as Hayden and I stepped in, he barely reacted, his face a blank slate Lindey got up, awkwardly. "Rea, Hayden... you're here."

"Lindey. Matthew," I greeted, same as always.

Matthew gestured for us to sit, and Isabel brought over tea.

"Are you hurt?" Matthew asked, breaking the silence.

it off, but my wrist burned-a painful reminder

wanted to reach out, but she held back. It was like she wasn't sure if she could still show that kind of

ointment on that later," Matthew said,

bitter taste filled my mouth. "That won't

was barely a

stopping her. He looked at me directly. "Rea, ask what you came

swallowed, my throat tight. "Is what Thorsten

who'd been like a father for so long. And

answer would wreck

I dreaded still came

like a punch to

and I stared at him, my gaze shaky. Matthew held

collapsed right

all out, I'd clung to the hope that without Matthew's confession,

But now he'd confessed.