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

Chapter 557

+25 BONUS

The burning ache in my throat spread straight to my heart. As silence hung on Hayden's end, I forced myself to say, "I won't bother you while you're picking out rings. Goodbye."

Then I hung up, pressing the button so hard it felt like I was crushing my own heart along with the call.

I stood there, frozen, until Jace walked over. The second he got close, I dropped my head and hurried toward the elevator. "Wait here. I'm just going to pack my things," I mumbled as I passed him. "I'll go up with you," he said.

"There's no need. I can handle it myself," I replied, voice sharper than I intended, quickening my pace.

But Jace followed anyway. "What's wrong?"

He could tell something was off.

The bitterness clawing at my chest nearly broke me then and there. I felt myself on the edge, seconds from falling apart, from letting everything spill out in front of him.

But 1 couldn't. Not in front of Jace.

When I'd chosen to be with Hayden, I'd been so sure, practically bragging to Jace that I was what I wanted, that Hayden was the right choice. And now, it all felt like it was coming back to hit me where it hurt most.

down the pain, keeping my voice steady. "Jace, it's not appropriate

worried something might happen. I'll stay by the door. I

downstairs either. Right now,

that single line on the phone? It ripped the illusion to shreds. I hadn't let him go at all. I still cared, more than I wanted

and I was already

Aren't you being a little too paranoid?" I snapped,

Jace.

darkened, but he didn't argue. He just stepped into the elevator beside

with him felt suffocating, like being tangled up in vines that were only

my chest. Just when I thought I was going

stepped out quickly, Jace

need anything," he said quietly as

in, slamming it shut behind me. I leaned back against

+25 BONUS

Chapter 557

gripping the hard surface, fighting the tight, painful knot rising

Jace just outside, I couldn't let myself completely break. I bit my lip, hard, tasting blood,

tears started to slip free. I closed my eyes, trying to will them back, but