Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 789

too busy... or don't want to, you don't have to," he said.

I got what he meant and gave him a small smile. "I'm not forcing myself."

His eyes softened, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw tears.

"Thank you," he said, his voice sincere.

I blinked, caught off guard. He was thanking me for making peace, for agreeing to see his parents. But there wasn't much else to say. I looped my arm through Lena's. "We need to see Grandpa Edison. Goodbye, Jace." "Goodbye," he murmured.

As soon as we were out of earshot, Lena turned to me, smirking. "You and your ex are getting pretty cozy these days. If Hayden doesn't show up soon, I wouldn't be shocked if you two rekindled things."

I shot her a look. "Do I seem that desperate? Like I can't survive without a guy?"

"I'm just saying," Lena said, shrugging. "You might get soft. Jace has a way of playing the emotional card."

She wasn't wrong. Lena had always been firmly Team Hayden.

"What I don't get," I said, "is why you're so harsh on Jace. Both he and Hayden betrayed me, right? Why do you hate him so much? Did he, like, curse your family or something?"

Lena pinched me hard, and I yelped. "Their betrayals weren't the same. Hayden faked it to protect you-it was all a front. Jace? He actually cheated with his friend's wife."

Her tone turned serious. "Rea, don't let your scars heal just to forget the pain."

I let out a bitter smile. "I won't."

FE

Chapter 789

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Chapter 789

Lena said with a small smile. She loved to tease, but I knew she had my back when

banquet hall, where Lena's grandpa, Edison Ace, stood in a regal purple -and-gold suit, happily accepting gifts like the family

eyes lit up.

but feel a little embarrassed. Sure, it was a nice gesture, but it wasn't that remarkable. Lindey had gifted something similar earlier. Edison was just an expert at making people feel good about themselves. "Lena, where's Nate? Why didn't he come?" Edison

me lightly

with a small smile. She loved to tease, but I knew she had my

hall, where Lena's grandpa, Edison Ace, stood in a regal purple

the artwork I'd brought, his eyes lit up. "This is special-I like it

couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Sure, it was a nice gesture, but it wasn't that remarkable. Lindey had gifted something similar earlier. Edison was just an expert at making people feel good about themselves. "Lena, where's Nate? Why didn't he come?" Edison asked, glancing at

I didn't invite him. I just wanted

fooled-my presence didn't exactly explain Nate's absence-but he let it slide,

Lena said quickly, clearly wanting to dodge any follow-up questions. "I'm going to grab something

replied, his tone casual but commanding. "But don't

I

to cut the cake,

the forehead. "You little rascal! I can

Rekindling things with

the thought of

the head.

getting bolder by the minute," Edison said, wagging a finger at her, though he looked more amused than annoyed. "No, I want your help

and still hasn't had a girlfriend. Do you know what people are saying? They think he's unnatural. Some even speculate he

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Chapter 780

Grandpa, maybe they're right!"

though his chuckle betrayed him. He nodded toward a group of well-dressed women mingling nearby.

or you'll lose your chance," I teased, nudging