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?"

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

same thing a hundred times just to

else bothering you?"

the words stuck in my throat. It

paper from her bag and slid it across the table.

frowned. "What

look," she said, nodding

at the words

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

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

out a short, humorless laugh of her own. "What would I even do with it? It's not for me. That ring was always for you. I was just there to keep people from asking questions. If you don't believe me, check the size. Or better, read

me when

then, just the thought

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,

down at the paper again, the

flicked to my wrist. "Nice bracelet. The

laughed anyway. "That red