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?"

even a little wrecked-that's what feels off." Yara didn't even blink. "Who says I'm not devastated?"

the same thing a

else bothering you?" she

in my throat. It was all just a hunch-nothing I

quiet, Yara pulled a slip of paper from her bag

frowned. "What

she said,

stared at the words contusion twisting

The jeweler tried calling Hayden, but when he

showing me this now? Trying to mess with me?" I barked out a bitter

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

hated me

the

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

the paper again, the weight

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

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