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?"

add up. And you..." 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 heartbroken

told myself the same thing a hundred times just

else bothering you?" she

throat. It was all just a

a slip of paper from her bag and

"What is

look," she said, nodding

the paper, I stared at the words contusion twisting into

the silence. "The ring was ready months ago. The jeweler tried calling Hayden, but

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

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

lips together before adding, "You must've hated me when you thought I was picking

then, 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

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

wrist. "Nice

her comment, but Yara laughed anyway.