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."

for 10:30, was delayed another hour. The Johnston living room turned into a mourning hall, with Matthew and Lindey lying side by

their hands together. They looked peaceful-like they were just

tension I'd been holding-the fear that Wayne might pull something at the funeral. -melted into a heavy, crushing

in the Johnston residence, from kid to young adult. Matthew and Lindey

my parents from me. But they'd also given me their

back-Lindey always keeping me close, proudly calling me her daughter

call her "Mom"

years. It's what she wanted most-and what I'll regret never giving her for the

stepped forward, tears blurring my vision as I looked at her one last

Chapter 815

buried so deep finally broke

"Mom... safe travels,"

me. By the time I wiped them away, she

ended, and they were taken to be buried. As the caskets were lowered,

me. Wayne had been expected to pull something

Lindey's sudden death made

swollen eyes told me he'd

looked at Jace. He was the complete opposite-calm, detached, like he didn't