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."

Johnston living room turned into a mourning hall, with Matthew and

placed their hands together. They looked peaceful-like they

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

residence, from kid to young adult. Matthew and Lindey had been there

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

always keeping me close, proudly calling me her daughter

me to call her "Mom"

in my throat for years. It's what she wanted most-and what

my vision as I looked at her one

Chapter 815

buried so deep finally broke

"Mom... safe travels,"

tears streamed down, blinding me. By the time I wiped them

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

me. Wayne had been expected to

sudden death made him

swollen eyes told me he'd been

the complete opposite-calm, detached, like he didn't feel a shred of