Chapter 198

“Matthew…” I stammered, my voice shaky with shock.

“Rea,” he replied, offering a strained smile.

“Your hair…” I reached out, instinctively wanting to touch it.

He frowned, confused. “What about my hair? Is it messy?”

Tears welled up and streamed down my face. Seeing me cry, he looked even more bewildered. “What’s going on? Why are you crying? Did Lindsey say something to upset you? Don’t listen to her; you know how she is.”

It struck me then—he hadn’t noticed his hair had turned almost completely gray. Just days ago, it had been black. Now, at least eighty percent was silver. He looked like a different person, as if he’d aged decades in a matter of days; transformed from a strong, middle-aged man into someone… fragile.

I couldn’t find the words, especially since he was unaware of the change. Instead, I hugged him tightly, my tears flowing freely. He patted my back gently. “Don’t cry, don’t cry. I’m fine. I just needed some time alone. Lindsey’s been nagging me nonstop, and now she’s pulled you into this mess.” He thought my tears stemmed from his seclusion.

I shook my head against his shoulder, my throat constricted.

“Come on, sit down for a bit. I’ll make us some tea,” Matthew said, his voice steady, masking his true feelings. But I saw through his composure. The graying hair spoke volumes.

“Matthew, let Jace do what he wants. Don’t let this tear you apart. Please, don’t let it get to you.” I’d never felt such profound sympathy. Seeing him like this broke my heart; he felt like my own father.

His eyes darkened. “He’s let me down too many times, Rea. And I’ve had time to think—it’s because we spoiled him. We let him get away with too much.”

“That’s not on you. Jace is grown now. His choices are his own, and he has to live with the consequences,” I said, attempting to comfort him.

Matthew remained silent. My words hadn’t resonated. He was stubborn, his convictions unwavering, regardless of external pressures. I never imagined Jace’s choice of a partner would affect him this deeply—enough to turn his hair gray practically overnight.

“Come on, sit with me. Let’s have some tea,” Matthew said, guiding me to the tea table before fetching the leaves. Watching him walk away, his posture struck me. His back seemed hunched, burdened by the weight of his worries. With his gray hair, he looked old.

“I’ll make you that black tea you brought over a while ago. I’ve been saving it for…” His voice trailed off. His hand, reaching for the tea cabinet, froze. He stood staring at the glass door.

Something felt wrong. I rushed over. “Matthew…”

That’s when I saw it too. In the glass reflection, Matthew finally noticed his gray hair.

“Matthew,” I whispered, gently taking his arm.

He blinked and offered a bitter smile. “So that’s why you were crying earlier, huh?” That smile—empty, resigned—tore me apart.

“You’ve… you’ve…” I began, but the words failed me.

“I’m over fifty now. Gray hair’s bound to happen. Guess now Lindsey won’t have to worry about some younger woman catching my eye, right? I’ve officially turned into an old man. Who’d be interested in me now?” Matthew joked, forcing a chuckle.

But I couldn’t laugh. I pressed my face into his shoulder, sobbing quietly. Matthew’s hand gently stroked my hair. “Alright, alright, don’t cry. We all get old eventually.”

Chapter 199