Chapter 212

Yuna was so lonely, she practically begged me to stay. I only had two days off, but to spend more time with her, I asked Ron for an extra two. But all good things must end, and eventually, I had to leave.

Before I left, Yuna packed me flower tea brewed with morning dew and food steamed with flower pollen and petals. She was determined to give me everything she cherished. I could tell she’d grown attached to me, and that instilled in me a responsibility I couldn’t quite explain.

“Keira, come visit me when you have time,” Yuna said, avoiding my eyes. Tears welled up, though she tried to hide them. She was a perfect blend of fragility and inner strength.

“Okay,” I said quietly, unable to say much more. My nose tingled; I feared crying before she did. Goodbyes are the softest blades—they cut the deepest.

“I’ve already asked a friend to contact the doctor. Once it’s all arranged, Hayden and I will pick you up,” I said, hugging her tightly, offering a little hope.

“Alright, I’ll be waiting for you,” Yuna replied, her words bolstering my resolve.

On the way back, I messaged Lena. She told me to come straight to her place after my flight landed. This time, I flew instead of taking the high-speed train. I slept through the entire flight, my dreams filled with memories of Yuna—gardening, strolling by the river, late nights, swapping stories in bed.

A flight attendant woke me upon landing. Evening had fallen. I took a taxi, but instead of going home, I went to the repair shop to collect my car.

Before I reached it, my phone rang. It was Jace. Since he and Tanya went public, Jace hadn’t contacted me; this call must be important.

I answered, but before I could speak, Jace blurted, “Did my dad really go gray overnight?”

His question shocked me. How was he only learning this now? Days later? And his asking me meant he hadn’t even seen Matthew.

I was speechless. I couldn’t express my anger.

“Rea, say something,” Jace urged, sounding desperate.

“What do you want me to say? You could go see for yourself, couldn’t you?” I snapped, my patience—carefully cultivated during my quiet days with Yuna—crumbling.

The silence on the other end was deafening. I was about to hang up when Jace finally spoke.

“They won’t let me in the house anymore.”

‘Serves you right.’ The thought echoed in my head.

“Rea, I’m completely alone now,” he said, his voice utterly broken.

But I felt no sympathy. Instead, I retorted, “This is what you chose.”

“Heh,” he chuckled bitterly. “Yeah, I did. I deserve this.”

At least he acknowledged it.

“Rea, can I ask you a favor?” Jace’s voice was soft, almost pleading—a tone I’d never heard from him before.