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

point. I'd told myself the same thing a hundred times just to

else bothering you?" she

throat. It was all just a

quiet, Yara pulled a slip of paper from her

"What is

a look," she

the paper, I stared at the

broke the silence. "The ring was ready months ago. The jeweler tried calling Hayden, but when he didn't pick

this now? Trying to mess

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 the engraving-it's got

hated me

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," she said, her voice

down at the paper again, the weight of it suffocating. Words wouldn't

to my wrist. "Nice

her comment, but Yara laughed anyway.