Chapter 199

Yes, everyone grows old, but seeing someone age overnight? That hit differently. It tugged at your heart in a way that was hard to articulate. Matthew still brewed the tea, but even as I sipped it, all I could taste was bitterness.

“Take this tea with you. Brew it at home—it’s good for your skin,” he said, carefully packing the remaining tea leaves for me. He truly treated me like a daughter. And now, more than ever, I felt the guilt underlying his kindness. I couldn't say no; it would only distress him further.

“Alright, once I run out, I’ll be back for more,” I said, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

“Good. Whatever you need, just ask. Rea, you’re my daughter. You know that, right?” His voice was sincere.

I nodded. “And in my heart, you’ve always been like a father to me.”

Back in school, Matthew always attended my parent-teacher conferences. Lindey sometimes wanted to go, but he insisted, saying his presence would ensure the principal and teachers took me seriously. He never let me feel like an orphan in front of my classmates after I lost my parents.

Matthew nodded firmly, but Lindey's worry wormed its way into my thoughts. I glanced at his graying hair, hesitating. “Matthew, Lindey’s really worried about you. If she sees you like this…”

“I’m still pretty handsome, aren’t I?” Matthew said with a playful grin, running a hand through his hair. “What do you think?”

I laughed, though tears welled in my eyes. “Yes, very handsome. You’ll always be the most handsome.”

Just then, footsteps echoed on the stairs. Lindey called out before appearing. “I swear, no one can handle this stubborn old man but Rea!”

She entered, her usual teasing smile present—until her eyes fell upon Matthew. The smile vanished, replaced by shock and disbelief. Her gaze trembled, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

Matthew and I both rose. I rushed over, worried she might faint. “Lindey…”

But she didn't look at me. Her eyes remained fixed on Matthew's gray hair.

Matthew approached, gently wiping her tears. “What’s wrong? Do I look ugly now?”

Lindey's hand trembled as she reached out, lightly touching his hair. “Your hair…”

“Yeah, it’s gray now. And there’s more of it than you have, so no need to worry anymore, right?” Matthew attempted to joke, brushing away more tears.

But she couldn't stop. Her whole body shook with emotion. It was the first time I'd ever seen Lindey cry like that. Matthew had always indulged her, and tears were rare. But today, she sobbed uncontrollably, her hands clinging to his hair as if the sight of it had shattered something within her.

Watching this, I quietly slipped from the room. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, Wayne caught my eye. “What happened? I heard my mom crying.”

“Your dad… his hair turned gray overnight.”

Wayne's eyes widened. For a few moments, he simply stared at the floor. I didn’t know how to comfort him. The truth was, I’d come with my own plan, but after witnessing this, I lacked the heart to proceed.

“I think I’ll head home,” I finally said.

Wayne glanced toward the stairs, then back at me. “I’ll drive you.”

We went outside, and I got into my car. I turned the key, but the engine wouldn't start. Nothing. Then I remembered—before arriving, I'd asked the repair shop to disable the engine. It was part of my plan to end up in Matthew's car.

“Car trouble?” Wayne asked, noticing the problem.

I couldn't meet his gaze. I simply nodded. “Yeah.”

“I’ll call someone to fix it. In the meantime, let Edward drive you home,” Wayne offered. Edward was Matthew's driver.