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."

living room

their hands together. They looked

been holding-the fear that Wayne might pull something at the funeral. -melted into a

in the Johnston residence, from kid to young adult. Matthew and Lindey had been there for all

me. But they'd also given me their love, like they were trying to make up for what they'd

keeping me close, proudly

call

word stuck in my throat for years. It's what she wanted

forward, tears blurring my vision as I looked

Chapter 815

been buried so deep

"Mom... safe travels,"

By the time I

they were taken to be buried. As the caskets were lowered, Lena leaned in and whispered, "Nothing's

jolted me. Wayne had been expected to pull something today-but

sudden death made him

His red, swollen eyes

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