Chapter 397

“No,” Matthew insisted, shaking his head. “Don’t let your thoughts run wild. I just think you should focus on your work, and your future with Hayden.”

His voice weakened with each word. The nurse stepped forward, ready to intervene, but Matthew stopped her with a look. She sighed. “One more minute, at most.”

I knew his condition was serious, and though I needed answers, I couldn't press him. His health was paramount. “We can talk later. You need to rest.”

But Matthew gripped my hand, tighter than I expected. “Rea, promise me.”

His desperation was palpable. His insistence only strengthened my suspicion that something was amiss regarding my parents' accident.

Yet, I saw in his eyes that he wouldn't say more. Pushing him felt pointless. Given his fragility, I could only relent, at least for now. “Alright, I promise.”

The tension in his face eased, but he still held my hand. “Rea, look forward. Don’t forget what I’ve said.”

Ironically, I’d said almost the same thing to Wade recently.

But how could I simply let the past go? My parents' deaths… I had to uncover the truth. How could I visit their graves knowing I hadn't done everything I could?

The nurse adjusted his oxygen mask, and Matthew's breathing evened out. He was exhausted; his eyes fluttered closed, as if he could barely remain awake.

The nurse wouldn't let him sleep yet, so I attempted small talk, receiving only weak grunts in response.

Finally, visiting hours ended. As the nurse dismissed me, I left the room. Wayne and Lindsey were gone, leaving only Jace, leaning against the wall, head down, seemingly lost in thought.

I approached him. Only then did he slowly lift his head, his eyes meeting mine. We’d arrived by helicopter, but I hadn't truly looked at him. Honestly, since our breakup, I hadn’t been this close to him.

Now, standing near him, I saw him clearly for the first time. He looked worn, defeated, and thinner than I remembered. For a moment, he seemed like a stranger.

“How’s my dad?” Jace asked, his voice rough.

“He’s alright, sleeping now,” I replied, then added pointedly, “Where’s your mom?”

“Her blood pressure spiked, so Wayne took her to the rest area,” Jace answered, his gaze drifting to my shoulder.

I followed his eyes to the damp spot on his gray jacket—stained with my tears. Jace was meticulous, the type to dry-clean anything remotely soiled. I knew the stain bothered him. “I’ll get it dry cleaned.”

“No need,” he said curtly, gesturing toward a nearby room. “I’ll take you to my mom.”

He paused, turning slightly to look at me.

“I left my phone at the hotel,” I said, feeling guilty. Hayden hadn't heard from me in hours, and I knew he’d be worried.

Jace's gaze darkened. “He called already. I explained everything.”

Instead of relief, unease washed over me. Jace was my ex, and I'd flown here with him without telling Hayden. I worried he might be overthinking things.

I still wanted to explain things myself. “Can I borrow your phone?”

Jace didn't answer immediately, and the silence was uncomfortable. I interpreted his silence as reluctance, which irritated me.

“You dragged me out here in the middle of the night. My boyfriend’s worried. I need to let him know I’m okay,” I snapped, holding out my hand, expecting him to give me his phone.

Instead, he swallowed hard and walked toward me. For a second, I thought he'd hand it over, but no—he leaned in, his body too close to mine.