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

Chapter 815

It didn't matter why anymore.

Jace said Lindey's death was on him and Wayne, but deep down, I knew I wasn't blameless

either.

She'd treated me like her own daughter, but I kept my distance, too wrapped up in the pain of losing my parents.

Memories of her flashed through my mind-how she'd tried so hard to bring me back, sneaking me mini tarts, even making my favorite pumpkin custard this morning

She'd planned this. I could feel it.

It was like someone ripped a hole in my chest, the cold cutting through me like knives.

I'd resented her, sure. But I'd never hated her.

I wanted to tell her that. But now, I never could. Even if I said it, no one would hear me Wayne tightened his grip on Jace's collar, like he was about to unload, but then let go. Jace stepped to Lindey's side, kneeling beside her. He smoothed her face, wiping the blood from her lips. ""Mom, it's okay," he whispered. "Go be with Dad now."

was delayed another hour. The Johnston living room turned into a mourning hall, with Matthew and

their hands together. They looked

pull

ten years in the Johnston residence, from kid to young adult. Matthew and Lindey had been

me. But they'd also given me their love,

always keeping me close, proudly calling me her daughter when

me to call her "Mom"

word stuck in my throat for years. It's what she wanted most-and what I'll regret

I looked at her one last time.

Chapter 815

buried so

"Mom... safe travels,"

blinding me. By the time

to be buried. As the

had been expected to pull something today-but

death made him

Wayne. His red, swollen eyes told

opposite-calm, detached,