Chapter 477

“Yeah, Rea, Dad and Mom just wanted you two to live your lives without feeling like you were any different from everyone else,” Wayne chimed in.

“We wanted you and Jace together because of the feelings you shared, not for any other reason,” Lindey reiterated.

After all the years I’d spent living with them, I knew better than anyone how they treated me. And now, with everything laid out, it made sense. If I had known about the blood type earlier, I probably would’ve been anxious all the time, constantly worried, and my life wouldn’t have been nearly as carefree as it was.

But one question still nagged at me. “Lindey, Matthew, when my parents arranged for me and Jace to be engaged all those years ago, was it because of our blood types?”

Lindey glanced at Matthew, and after a few beats, he nodded. “When we found out you both had the same rare blood type—what they call golden blood—it was a shock. But it also meant that if one of you was ever in danger, the other could save them.”

He paused before continuing. “We worried that if you both married other people, it’d complicate things. So, half-jokingly, we thought, wouldn’t it be easier if you two ended up together? That way, as a couple, you’d always look out for each other.”

Matthew sighed. “Rea, we’ve been carrying that concern every day, afraid something might happen to one of you.”

Wayne jumped in again. “My parents even lit a safety prayer candle for you two at Cloudscape Monastery. It’s been burning for decades—never went out.”

I knew about that candle. I always thought it was just something Matthew and Lindey did because they were the kind of people who had rituals for the whole family. I never guessed it was specifically for me and Jace.

Guilt hit me hard. I had doubted their love, over and over. How could I have been so clueless? “I’m sorry, Matthew, Lindey. I’ve been overthinking everything.”

Lindey gently cupped my face. “You’ve done nothing wrong, sweetheart. If Matthew and I were in your shoes, we’d feel the same way. And, more importantly, you saved Jace’s life. We should be thanking you.”

“Please don’t say that,” I replied, echoing what I’d told Jace earlier. “It wasn’t just because it was him. I would’ve done the same for anyone.”

Lindey’s eyes softened, though she didn’t let it go. “Even if you’d help anyone, you wouldn’t have risked your life like that unless it was Jace.” Her words were heavy, like she understood the connection I once had with him, even if I didn’t want to admit it.

I didn’t feel like arguing. Let them believe whatever they wanted. I knew how I felt about—Jace—and who I truly loved. That was enough.

Wayne, sensing the tension, cleared his throat. “Mom, Dad, Rea… let’s head to the car. We can talk more there.”

Lindey quickly nodded. “Yes, let’s go. I even made rice pudding for you, Rea, and brought it along. You can eat some on the way.”

I stopped her before she could pull me along. “Lindey, wait.” I turned to Matthew, too. “I’m not going home with you. I need to see Hayden.”

“If you need to find him, that’s easy,” Lindey offered, still smiling. “Wayne can go pick him up.”

Clearly, Wayne hadn’t told them about Hayden and me, but he sure hadn’t held back on everything else.

“No, Lindey,” I said firmly. “Hayden misunderstood what happened when I gave Jace blood. That’s why I rushed back—I need to explain it to him. I can’t come home with you right now.”

Lindey blinked, her expression shifting to shock. “A misunderstanding? Hayden… oh, that boy!”

“He’s probably just worried about you,” Matthew cut in, shooting her a look.

Lindey hesitated for a second, then smiled tightly. “I just meant… Hayden really cares about you.”

I knew she was picking her words carefully. I couldn’t help but smirk a little. “Exactly. He cares about me, which is why I need to go see him. I haven’t seen him in days.”

Matthew and Lindey both gave me awkward smiles, clearly disappointed but trying to hide it. I stepped back, creating a little space between us. “Goodbye.”