Chapter 255

I ignored the pumpkin milk drinks, waiting to see the waiter's next move. Before he could act, however, Jace collected both glasses. He placed one before me, then turned to Lindey, holding the other. "Mom, your blood sugar's high. I asked for peanut milk instead."

Lindey looked ready to argue, but Jace swiftly placed the second glass before Tanya. Tanya offered him a weak, almost fragile smile. She looked so pitiful that even I felt uncomfortable; I was sure any man watching would have been tempted to play the hero. Lindey must have noticed this, because she remained silent.

Then the dishes arrived—all my favorites. Lindey piled food onto my plate as if I were incapable of serving myself, making it impossible to keep up. Meanwhile, Jace and Tanya sat largely ignored, like extras in a play. I felt embarrassed for them. If I were in their shoes, I'd likely have a serious case of indigestion.

Lindey continued piling food onto my plate until I finally waved her off and excused myself to the restroom. To my surprise, Jace followed. "Keira, my mom is being excessive."

I offered a small smile. "Perhaps you should speak to her."

His face tightened. "She's only standing up for you. You can't be oblivious to that."

"I'm not," I replied flatly.

"Rea, you've moved on. Why are you still pushing my mom to pursue Tanya?" Jace snapped. "I've told you, I owe Tanya everything. My mother's treatment of her only increases my guilt."

"Jace Johnston," I said, my voice hardening, "do you really think you're worth this kind of effort from me?"

He hesitated. I offered a mocking smile. "The moment I let go of you, you ceased to be worth a second of my time."

"Rea," he pleaded softly. "I don't believe you."

"Then what do you believe?" I demanded. "Do you think this is an act? That I'm still madly in love with you?" I fired off question after question. "Jace, where does this confidence come from? My love is reserved for those who deserve it. Do you believe you deserve my love?"

He opened his mouth, but no words came.

"Oh, and Tanya's brother Brad… I don't know what possessed him, but he's been pursuing me. He even sent white wild roses to my office," I said, smirking.

Jace's eyes widened. "When did this happen?"

"Today," I replied, still smirking. "What do you think, Jace? Should I accept?"

His jaw clenched. "I had no idea."

"Then you retain some decency," I said coldly. If he'd encouraged Brad, I would have felt foolish for loving him all those years.

"I'll get to the bottom of this," Jace muttered.

I said nothing and turned toward the restroom. "Rea," he called, but I continued walking. I still heard him behind me. "If I died tomorrow, would you be sad?"

My heart ached, a sudden weight settling in my chest, but I didn't stop or look back. I wanted to snap, "You'll find out after you die," but I bit back the words. Some things are better left unsaid, especially to someone you once loved.

Three minutes later, I emerged from the restroom to find Jace gone. I didn't know if he'd returned to the private room or left altogether. The awkwardness of the room made me reluctant to return, so I wandered to the pond with the fountain, watching the water ripple.

After a few minutes, I heard familiar footsteps. My heart leaped. Could it be Hayden? I looked up. There he was, and beside him—was that Ron?