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

Chapter 625

+25 BONUS

It seemed that, aside from Yara, Ron was another person who truly knew Hayden.

At least, he knew more about the dangers Hayden had faced than I ever did.

But I wasn't ready to dig into Hayden's past struggles. Just thinking about the pain he might have endured made my chest tighten. Knowing more would only make me miss him more.

"I don't believe it," Ron said again.

I got it. Deep down, I didn't fully believe Hayden was gone either. To me, it felt like he'd just gone somewhere out of reach.

"Then let's just think of it as him taking a long trip," I said softly, shaking the little bell on my bracelet.

Its crisp, clear chime filled the silence, soothing the ache in my chest like a gentle touch.

How strange. How wonderful.

This little bell, the one Hayden left me, felt like a lifeline pulling me back from the edge.

me process this, and then I'll give you something," Ron said

""What is it?"

I give it to you," he

Ron, to say something-anything-but the look on his face. stopped me. His usual cheerful demeanor was gone, replaced by a helpless, hollow loneliness, like someone who'd lost their whole world. So,

felt like a piece of my soul had been ripped out. To Ron, Hayden was like a brother, his closest friend. For him, it must have been like losing

kept me company

out to her yesterday after coming back, but her phone had been off, and she hadn't responded to my messages. No texts, no

decided to

Her cautious expression was clear as she asked, "Who are

I'm

for a moment, then tears welled

my chest tighten. Whatever was going

even know if she's alive or dead

have come here. But I couldn't add to Mrs. Young's worry, so I nodded. "I'll do

decided to ask the question that had been haunting me. "What happened to Demi? Why would she try to take

a word to us. We've been

ever tell you anything about her boyfriend?"

said, her voice breaking with frustration. "Do you know where her boyfriend is? Maybe she's