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?"

I paused, narrowing my eyes 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

thing a hundred times just to

bothering you?" she

stuck in my throat. It was

of paper from her bag

"What is

a look," she said, nodding toward

paper, I stared at the words

was ready months ago. The jeweler tried calling Hayden, but when he didn't pick up, they teached out

it yourself? Why are you showing me this now? Trying to mess with me?"

was just there to keep people from asking questions. If you don't believe me, check the size. Or better, read

adding, "You must've hated me when you

wrong. Back then, just the thought

went through 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,"

ache in my chest sharpened. I looked down at the paper again, the

gaze flicked to my wrist. "Nice

anyway. "That red