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

Chapter 899

Hayden’s dedication to the courtyard was no less than hers.

On any other day, Keira would have been thrilled to follow his lead and share in the excitement. But today, she couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. Her attention was fixed entirely on the temple gates.

Even as the sun rose higher into the sky, the gates remained shut, and the unease in her heart grew heavier.

When Abbot Levinsky was still here, he opened the gates every morning without fail. After Jace arrived, he took over the task and once told her that opening the temple gates each day was like opening the door to one’s heart.

But today… why hadn’t he come?

Was he unwell?

The thought sent a ripple of panic through her. Unable to wait any longer, Keira stepped forward and knocked on the door. After what felt like an eternity, someone finally

answered–a lay disciple living at the monastery.

“Apologies,” he said with a slight bow. “Master Gregory might have overslept today.”

Gregory. That was Jace’s monastic name.

Hayden and Keira both bowed their thanks and entered the monastery.

“Does he oversleep often?” Keira asked the disciple as we walked.

“Not in the past, but recently Master Gregory hasn’t been feeling well, so he occasionally rises late,” the disciple replied.

Her heart skipped a beat. Not feeling well? What’s wrong with him?

pace quickened. Hayden supported her as they made their way to

on the door, but

called

with us also called out, using his monastic name: “Master

the room remained silent.

a wave of dread wash over her and

her, his hand firm on her arm. Wait here. Let me

Chapter 899

He stepped inside.

+25 BONUS

he returned, his face pale and strained in a way Keira had never seen before. He stared at her, his lips pressed tightly together,

then. Her knees buckled slightly, and she stumbled forward, shoving past

into the room.

in the stillness of the meditation room, Keira saw Jace lying peacefully on

simple green robe, a scripture placed neatly beside him.

scene reminded her so much of their school days, when he would fall asleep

that he was just taking a nap, shirking

a moment

time to summon the courage to move. Finally, she reached out with trembling

written on it pierced

cycle, so there is no true birth or death in this world. My departure is merely an

way of taking responsibility for

says that illness and pain are the consequences of one’s sins. I have borne

burdened with keeping me alive through the cold steel of surgical tools or the chill of intravenous medicines. For me,