Chapter 161 Chapter 161 Ever since I stopped being forced to practice hand lettering under Matthew's watch, I never bothered to do it on my own.
I mean, I wasn't exactly a kid anymore, but I was still just as lazy as one, dodging anything that felt like work whenever I could.
"Relax, just write. However it turns out, it turns out," Matthew said, holding the quill pen out toagain. How was I supposed to say no? I'd held this pen before when I bought it, but now, taking it from him, it felt so much heavier.
Maybe it was all the ink-or maybe it was the way Matthew was staring at me, like he was expecting something big.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe wantedto be that girl again. The one who used to write with a heart full of Jace, back when I was that kid always hanging out at their home.
I pressed the pen to the paper, but my hand shook. No matter how hard I tried, the strokes cout all wobbly.
I knew Matthew didn't actually care about my handwriting. What he really wanted was something deeper- he was trying to figure out where my heart was at.
"Embrace the present," he read aloud, his eyes scanning what I'd written.
Earlier, he'd shared his thoughts, and I was just trying to keep up with that vibe.
He didn't say anything else, just nodded, givingthis serious, almost intense look. "I wish you the best." Then, out of nowhere, he stuck his hand out for a handshake.
But instead of shaking it, I pulled him into a gentle hug. Thanks, Matthew." He gave my back a few light pats. "I'm sorry, I've put you through a lot. It's my fault for not raising my son right." Just a second ago, when Lindey was tearing into him, he stayed quiet-didn't admit a thing. But now, here he was, apologizing to me.
Suddenly, I felt tears sting my eyes.
Maybe he noticed, because he gently stroked my hair before stepping back and looking at my red, watery eyes. "I know all the dumb stuff Jace has pulled. I've already handled it. "If he tries anything like that again, he's out. "He should know better by now." I'd chere to vent, to ask him to get Jace under control, but Matthew beatto it He really understood me. After ten years of this bond-hot by blood, but in every other way-It felt like we were as close as real family.
+25 BONUS Chapter 161 "Thank you, Matthew." 1 wasn't just thanking him for standing up for me-I was thanking him for the love and care he'd shownover all these years.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMatthew gently pulledup straight. "Don't say stuff like that. It feels like you're pulling away from us." I shook my head. "You and Lindey will always be my family, my closest people." Matthew smiled, that familiar warmth creeping back in. "Good. When we go downstairs, I'll make it clear to Hayden-if he ever crosses the line with you, he's done." It was the first tI'd ever heard Matthew sound so tough, almost like a mob boss or something.
I couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, I'll make sure he gets the message."
Matthew ruffled my hair again. "Rea, no matter who you end up with, I just want one thing-for you to be happy." In that moment, he felt more like my real dad than ever.
Tears welled up again, and I nodded.
*Alright, let's head downstairs. I wonder if Lindey's giving Hayden a hard time. She only wants you as her daughter-in-law, you know She Won't settle for anyone else," Matthew said, givingthat classic 'a husband knows his wife best' grin. I looped my arm through his. "It's fine. Let her test him. If he's scared off, he's not the right one anyway." Matthew chuckled softly and started leadingtoward the stairs. But before we could go any further, I stopped him. "Matthew, there's something I need to ask." "Hm? What is it?"
I bit my lip, my heart suddenly racing for no reason I could explain. "Myn ould.
parents can accident... was it really E an accident?"