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 of hours spent tied up, bruises still

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

that later," Matthew said,

taste filled my mouth.

Lindey's voice was

her. He looked at

my throat tight. "Is what

been like a father for so long.

answer would wreck everything

dreaded still came from his

hit like a

at him, my gaze shaky. Matthew held my eyes, steady. "Your parents'

world collapsed right

had laid it all out, I'd clung to the hope that without Matthew's confession, it couldn't be

But now he'd confessed.