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.

recklessness, he'd always been fiercely loyal to his

he owes

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 debt instead." *Jace, do you even get what kind of debt this

debt. The words hit me, reminding me of all the times I'd

Jace droppe

That's why, if you're willing to 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

no matter what we do, your parents aren't

now is a cold gravestone to call

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

make him guess. "Myself," I whispered, slapping my own arm. "I hate that I have

draining

mess, this pain-it started with you. You're the one I should hate the most." I spat the

reason to get up each day. Now, they were just

irony

+25 BONUS

Chapter 533