Chapter 316

My heart skipped a beat. Lindey had said Jace was leaving a final message; now Tanya echoed the sentiment, suggesting he was preparing for the end. Something was definitely amiss. A dream suddenly surfaced—Jace's voice: "If I died..." Despite any lingering feelings, the gravity of the situation demanded attention.

Tanya was distraught, weeping uncontrollably, but misdirecting her distress. I couldn't muster sympathy; comforting her wasn't an option. "Jace isn't that kind of guy," I stated flatly. Someone giving up over setbacks isn't responsible; if they can't manage their own problems, they can't support others.

"I don't think he would," Tanya mumbled, calming slightly. "But I can't reach him, and after everything... I'm worried."

"If he's already taken care of everything, what's to worry about?" I retorted sarcastically. My niceness had its limits. This was the woman who took my fiancé; any pretense of friendship was out of the question.

Ignoring my tone, she continued, "I'm scared something's happened to him. No matter what he's arranged, only he makes me feel safe."

"Is that right?" I thought, a bitter laugh escaping. "Then maybe you should find that security elsewhere, because you won't find it here."

I was about to hang up when Tanya pleaded, "Keira, if he contacts you, or you hear anything… please let me know."

"Sure, I'll tell him to call you," I replied flatly, then disconnected. A cool breeze swept in, a sudden chill in the night. Hayden and Yuna were still conversing nearby. Remembering Lindey and Tanya's words, I called Wayne.

He didn't answer immediately—not unusual. There was a time when he'd answer instantly. Finally, just as I was about to hang up, Wayne answered. "Rea."

"Am I interrupting?" I asked, gazing into the darkness.

"No, just in the kitchen making dinner," he replied. Whether that was true was anyone's guess.

"Did your mom call?" I asked directly.

"Yeah, about Jace. She got upset and cried. Frustrated, I guess," he said, sounding exasperated.

"Same with me and Tanya. They both said Jace's been acting like he's…" I hesitated. "Like he's making end-of-life arrangements."

"Rea, what kind of crap is that?" Wayne's voice sharpened.

"It's not my theory," I retorted. "I don't want to be involved, but they dragged me in. Did Jace leave? Did he say anything to you?"

Wayne's silence was answer enough. Jace had spoken to him, said his goodbyes. A knot formed in my chest, but I didn't press. The silence hung heavy.

Finally, Wayne's voice, low and quiet, broke the stillness. "Jace said he's tired. He wants a break. Said it's my turn to step up… He wants to be the carefree Jace again."