Chapter 396

Seeing Matthew struggle to speak, tears welled in my eyes. I'd seen him confident, strong, always in control—never like this, never this weak.

"Don't cry, Rea," he whispered, lifting his hand to wipe away my tears.

I quickly grabbed his hand, wiping my own tears on my sleeve. Then I froze. This wasn't my jacket; it was Jace's. He'd dragged me from the hotel in my nightgown and given me his jacket. I'd been wearing it ever since.

"I won't cry," I promised, forcing a small smile.

Matthew looked at me with a gentle, complicated expression that made my stomach twist. I tightened my grip on his hand. "You'll be okay. You have to be."

"I know my own body," he whispered, his voice weak. He'd weathered so many storms, always calm and logical, but this was different.

"You're just like your mother," he said, surprising me. My mind went to Narelle, my look-alike, a total stranger. It was a shame we never spoke. But she's in a better place now… happy, I hope.

"I bet my mom was beautiful, too," I said, smiling.

Matthew smiled faintly. "She was… and really good at taking care of everyone."

"Just like Lindsey, right?" I replied.

Matthew's eyelids fluttered. "You're a good kid. You… will be happy." I knew he felt bad about everything with Jace. Guilt was etched on his face.

"I am happy. Hayden treats me really well," I said, wanting to move past Jace's mistakes.

He didn't respond, his gaze fixed on me. He hadn't looked away since I arrived. Earlier, he'd said he had something important to tell me. Jace had flown me here on a private jet, just because Matthew wanted to see me. Even the nurse warned we only had two minutes. So I asked, "What did you want to tell me?"

"Rea," Matthew said softly, "Don't look into your parents' accident anymore."

I froze, completely stunned. A moment passed before I swallowed hard. "Why? Why don't you want me to investigate?"

His eyes flickered, as if hiding something. "Because… I want you to be happy."

What did my happiness have to do with finding the truth about my parents?

"Rea, trust me. Stop digging," he urged.

I stayed quiet. After a few seconds, Matthew sighed, the weight of the world on his shoulders. "You're so much like your mother… but that stubborn streak? That's all Alan."

I wasn't stupid. There had to be more to my parents' accident for him to be pushing this hard. "There's more to their crash, isn't there?" Especially since I'd always had doubts.