Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right



Tanya walked right into the trap. She'd been so desperate for the spotlight that she didn't even see it coming.

"Does this mean the police have everything they need? Will Hayden and the others be back soon?" I asked, steering the conversation back to what actually mattered.

"Yeah, it won't be long now. Aaron's handling the last bit of cleanup," Jace replied.

As he spoke, I studied him more closely. He looked thinner-his already sharp features now even more defined.

I wasn't surprised. His parents were gone, his brother was on the run, and he'd been helping me juggle crisis after crisis. It was a lot for anyone to bear.

"You've been through so much lately," I said softly, my gratitude clear.

"This is my responsibility. Wayne caused this, so it's on me."

The calm, heavy way he said it struck me. Wayne always acted like he was Jace's equal- better, even-but in this moment, Jace's integrity made their differences painfully obvious.

"Rea," Jace said, his voice pulling me from my thoughts. "Today's the thirty-fifth day since my parents passed. Will you come with me to visit them?" My mom once told me that the Kehlmarkan tradition was to believe that souls linger for a while after death, finally leaving on the thirty-fifth day. "Of course," I said without hesitation.

The cemetery was quiet.

Lindey and Matthew's gravestone had their photo etched on it, their names carved beneath. Their love story hadn't been epic or fairy-tale perfect, but now they lay side by side-united in death.

"Lindey, Matthew, if you see my parents down there, let them know I'm doing okay."

As the words left my lips, I realized it was true I had forgiven them. Completely.

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"Rea," Jace said, his voice full of gratitude. "Thank you."

It was clear he'd brought me here with a purpose.

I turned to him and smiled. "I never really hated them. I just... couldn't."

For ten years, they'd been my family. They'd shared that path with me, giving me warmth and love, even if it hadn't been perfect.

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"They would be at peace knowing that," Jace murmured, his gaze locked on the gravestone.

As we descended the cemetery steps, Jace spoke again, his tone quiet. "Rea, will you visit them every year from now on?"

"Of course. Even if you didn't ask, I would."

“Good," he said. "That way, they won't be forgotten."

I glanced at him, walking beside me. "Jace, you've changed."

"Have I?" he asked, his tone detached.

"You have this... clarity now. Like you've let go of everything that used to hold you back," I said, finally putting my finger on what had felt different about him.

He smiled faintly but didn't deny it. "Maybe."

It was like he'd peeled back the layers of the world, seeing it for what it truly was-

detached and calm.

After everything he'd endured- our breakup, Wayne's return, losing his parents, and all the chaos that followed-it wasn't surprising.

They say there's no greater sorrow than a heart that's gone numb. Maybe this was his way of surviving it all.

***

After the cemetery, I headed home. As I approached my building, I noticed a pregnant woman holding the hand of a little girl.

The girl was adorable-rosy cheeks, fair skin, and two perfect pigtails.

"You're so pretty," I couldn't help but say, smiling at her.

Inside the elevator, the little girl turned to me suddenly. "Miss, my mommy's having a baby brother, and you have a baby girl in your belly."

I froze, stunned. My stomach was still flat-how could she know?

The woman looked flustered, apologizing quickly. "I'm so sorry, she's been saying random things like that lately..."

"No," I interrupted, surprising myself. "She's right. I am pregnant."

The woman's eyes widened. "But you don't even look..."

"It's under three months," I explained softly.

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I reached out to gently pat the little girl's pigtails. "Thank you for your blessing. I'd love to have a daughter as sweet and beautiful as you.

Her mom smiled. "You and your husband must be such a good-looking couple. Your baby's going to be adorable."

Her words caught me completely off guard. My hand froze on the elevator button.

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