Seeing Matthew struggle so hard to speak, I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore.


    I’d seen him in so many ways–confident, strong, always in control–but never like this, never this


    weak.


    “Don’t cry, Rea… don’t cry,” Matthew whispered, lifting his hand with all the strength he had left,


    trying to wipe my tears


    away


    I quickly grabbed his hand, wiping my tears on my sleeve instead. But then I froze.


    Wait–this wasn’t my jacket.


    It was Jace’s.


    He’d dragged me out of the hotel earlier, and I was still in my nightgown. Once we got in the car, he


    handed me his jacket. I wanted to refuse, but it’s not like I could go out in just a camisole, so I put it


    on. And I’d been wearing it


    over since.


    “Mm, I won’t cry,” I promised, lifting my tear–streaked face and forcing a small smile.


    Matthew looked at me with an expression that was both gentle andplicated, the kind that made


    my


    stomach twist. I tightened my grip on his hand. “You’ll be okay. You have to be ok kind that made


    my


    “I know my own body,” Matthew whispered, his voice so weak I had to strain to hear him.


    He’d weathered so many storms in life, always calm and logical. But this time was different.


    “You’re just like your mom,” he said suddenly, catching me off guard.


    My mind immediately went to Narelle, who looked so much like me but was a total stranger. It


    sucked that we never got to talk–not even once. But she’s in a better ce now… happy, I hope


    “I bet my mom was beautiful too,” I said, forcing a smile.


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


    “Just like Lindey, right?” I replied smoothly.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Matthew’s eyelids fluttered. “You’re a good kid. You… will be happy.”


    I knew what he was getting at. He felt bad about everything that went down with Jace. Guilt was


    practically written all over his face.


    “I am happy. Hayden treats me really well,” I said, not wanting him stuck on Jace’s screw–ups any


    longer.


    He didn’t respond, just kept staring at me.


    Honestly, since I walked in, he hadn’t taken his eyes off me.


    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


    finally asked.” What did you want to tell me?”


    “Rea,” Matthew said softly, “Don’t look into your parents ident anymore.”


    I froze,pletely blindsided by his words.


    A moment passed before I swallowed hard. “Why? Why don’t you want me to investigate?”


    His eyes flickered, almost like he was hiding something. “Because… I want you to be happy.”


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


    “Rea, trust me. Stop digging,” he urged again.


    stayed quiet.


    After a few seconds, Matthew sighed, looking at me like he had the weight of the world on his


    shoulders.” You’re so much like your mom… but that stubborn streak? That’s all n.”


    I wasn’t stupid. There had to be more to my parents‘ ident for him to be pushing this hard.


    “There’s more to their crash, isn’t there?” Especially since I’d always had doubts.