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

Chapter 636

Yara's question hit me sideways. I hadn't dared let my mind go there.

I hadn't dared to entertain such a thought,

I mean, I saw him collapse, heard the doctor say the surgery didn't work, and yeah, I even held his ashes. That's as final as it gets.

Sure, I've dreamed about him coming back. But those were just desperate little fantasies.

Life isn't some cheesy movie. Hayden died. End of story. No rewrites, no miracles. I hated it, but the truth didn't care about my feelings.

"I wish he wasn't," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Then why are you here, grilling me if you've already made peace with it?" Yara shot back.

I studied her for a moment. "Because something feels off," I said finally.

Her eyes narrowed. "What exactly feels off?"

at her. "You're way too calm. Not even a little wrecked-that's what feels off." Yara didn't even blink. "Who says I'm not devastated?" she replied flatly. "But being heartbroken won't bring him

told myself the same thing a hundred

else bothering you?"

It was

pulled a slip of paper from her bag and slid it across the table. "This is

frowned. "What

look," she said, nodding toward

stared at the words

months ago. The jeweler tried calling Hayden, but when he didn't pick

are you showing me this now? Trying to mess with me?" I barked

ring was always for you. I was just there to keep people from asking questions. If you don't

adding, "You must've hated me when

just the thought of it had gutted

so much to keep you safe, Rea. Every step, every decision-he made it for you. And in the end, it cost him his life," she said, her

my chest sharpened. I looked down at the paper again, the weight of it suffocating.

gaze flicked to my wrist. "Nice bracelet. The design's really

ignored her comment, but Yara laughed anyway. "That red string you've