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

Chapter 533

Jace looked wrecked-pale, hair a mess, rough stubble shadowing his jaw. I'd never seen him this messed up, like he'd had a night just as brutal as mine.

He must've found out about Matthew. Why else would he keep blowing up my phone?

Weirdly, I didn't feel the anger I'd expected. Instead, I felt... nothing. Like something in me had finally just burnt out. Maybe I was numb.

The doorway wasn't the place for this. I said, "Come in."

Jace walked in and dropped onto the couch across from me. "My mom told me everything... Rea, I'm so

sorry...

I didn't answer. I knew he hadn't just come here to apologize.

"Look, I know sorry's not enough. But I came here to ask... no, to beg... His voice cracked as he looked at me, his face full of something raw. "Please, just... can you spare my dad? Just for whatever time he has left?" Beg? Hearing that word from Jace was rare.

always been fiercely loyal

he owes

just stared, watching his jaw tighten. "I know it's a lot to ask. After everything my dad's done... your family a debt he could never repay. But please, let him go. Let me pay back that

reminding me of all the times I'd given

Jace droppe

spare him, I'll do whatever you ask." But that was the problem-I didn't know what I wanted from him or his family. And that made it worse. "What could you possibly do to make up for my parents' lives?" I said, my

looked at me, defeated. "Rea, I know... no matter what we do,

lost my parents-real, living people. All I have now is a cold

to keep it together. "Jace, do you know who I hate most

"I hate that I have the same blood

draining out

should hate the most." I spat the words, every memory of

those memories had been my happiness, my reason to get up each day. Now, they were just

irony

+25 BONUS

Chapter 533