Hello 199

Posted by AdminM, ? Views, Released on October 17, 2024

Chapter 199

Yes, everyone grows old, but seeing someone age overnight? That hit different. It pulled at your heart in a way that was hard to put into words.

Matthew still brewed the tea, but even as I sipped it, all could taste was the bitterness.

“Take this tea with you. Brew it at home–it’s good for your skin,” he said, carefully packing up the rest of

the tea leaves for me.

He really did treat me like a daughter. And now, more than ever, I could feel the guilt behind his kindness.

I couldn’t say no–it’d only make him feel worse.

“Alright, once I run out, I’ll be back for more,” I said, trying to keep my tone light, hoping to cut through the heaviness in the air.

“Good. Whatever you need, just ask. Rea, you’re my daughter. You know that, right?” His voice was filled with sincerity.

I nodded. “And in my heart, you’ve always been like a father to me.”

Back when I was in school, Matthew always came to my parent–teacher meetings

Sometimes Lindey wanted to go, but he insisted, saying his being there would make the principal and teachers take me more seriously. He never let me feel like an orphan in front of my classmates after I lost my parents.

Matthew nodded firmly at my words, but I could feel Lindey’s worries creeping into my mind. I glanced at his graying hair, hesitating. “Matthew, Lindey’s really worried about you. If she sees you like this…

“I’m still pretty handsome, aren’t I?” Matthew said with a playful grin, running his hand through his hair.” What do you think?”

I couldn’t help but laugh, though my eyes filled with tears. “Yes, very handsome. You’ll always be the most handsome.”

Just as we were sharing that light moment, footsteps echoed on the stairs. Lindey’s voice called out before she even appeared. “I swear, no one can handle this stubborn old man but Rea!”

She stepped into the doorway, her usual teasing smile in place—until her eyes landed on Matthew. The smile froze.

Her expression shifted to shock, disbelief flooding her face as she stared at him. Her gaze shook, and within seconds, tears started streaming down her cheeks.

Matthew and I both stood up. I rushed over, worried she might collapse. “Lindey…”

But she didn’t even look at me. Her eyes stayed glued to Matthew’s gray hair.

Matthew stepped closer, gently wiping her tears. “What’s wrong? Do I look ugly now?”

Lindey’s hand trembled as she reached up, barely touching his hair. “Your hair…

“Yeah, it’s gray now. And there’s more of it than you have, so no need to worry anymore, right?” Matthew tried to joke, brushing away more of her tears.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 199

But she couldn’t stop. Her whole body shook with emotion.

It was the first time I’d ever seen Lindey cry like that.

Matthew had always spoiled her, and it was rare to ever see her cry. But today, she was sobbing uncontrollably, her hands clinging to his hair like the sight of it had shattered something inside her.

Watching this moment unfold, I quietly slipped out of the room.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, Wayne caught my eye. “What happened? I heard my mom crying.”

“Your dad… his hair turned gray overnight.”

Wayne’s eyes went wide with shock.

For a few moments, he just stood there, staring at the floor.

I didn’t know how to comfort him. The truth was, I’d come here with my own agenda, but after everything I’d seen today, I didn’t have the heart to follow through with it.

“I think I’ll head home,” I finally said.

Wayne glanced toward the stairs, then back at me. “I’ll drive you.”

We walked outside, and I got into my car. I turned the key, but the engine wouldn’t start.

Nothing. That’s when I remembered–before coming here, I had asked the repair shop to disable the car’s engine. It was all part of my plan to end up in Matthew’s car.