Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right

Chapter 158

Chapter

158

I drove in silence, unsure of what to say.

I was scared that saying the wrong thing might hurt Hayden even more. But part of me couldn't stop thinking about my own parents and their crash.

Was it really just an accident? Or was there more to it?

Back then, I was too young to get what really happened. Matthew handled everything. Maybe he was the only one who actually knew all the details. I figured I could ask him when I saw him later.

Since I stayed quiet, Hayden didn't push it, and the rest of the ride was just... well, quiet.

As we pulled up to the Johnston residence, the auto gate recognized my car and slid open, letting us drive right into the courtyard.

Isabel Zetino, the housemaid, spotted me as soon as I parked. She gave me this big smile and waved." Rea, you're back! I'll let Mr. and Mrs. Johnston know."

I smiled back, shaking my head, "No need. I'll head in myself."

Her gaze flicked over to Hayden as he got out of the car and walked over to me. She was definitely curious, so I linked my arm with his and introduced him. "This is my boyfriend, Hayden. And Hayden, this Is Ms. Zetino."

Even though Isabel was just the housemaid, she'd been at the Johnston residence way longer than I had, and she was close with Lindey. So, yeah, I had to keep up the act, even in front of her.

Hayden gave her a polite nod. "Ms. Zetino."

"Ah," she replied, but her expression said it all-she wasn't thrilled.

In this house, I was still considered Jace's fiancée. So, me showing up with another guy? It was bound to stir things up. Isabel wasn't the only one-I'd have to deal with Matthew and Lindey soon enough.

With Hayden on my arm, we walked past Isabel and headed toward the main hall of the house.

We hadn't even reached the door when I heard Lindey's sharp voice cutting through the quiet. She was in full lecture mode. "You're the chairman, managing thousands of people, but you can't even keep your two sons in line. One's more rebellious than the other." Typical. I could imagine Matthew just sitting there, probably scrolling through his phone, pretending not to hear her.

"Matthew!" Lindey's voice spiked with frustration. "Are you pretending to be deaf again?"

Even though they were a loving couple, that didn't mean they didn't have their share of arguments. Today, though, Lindey seemed genuinely upset, and I couldn't help but wonder what set her off.

"I'm not pretending. If I respond, you'll just nag me more," Matthew finally answered.

"Oh, so now you're tired of my nagging? Typicall You men are all the same-no gratitude. I gave you children, and now I'm old and worn out, and you find me annoying. Matthew, you're such a jerk! Don't touch me-get off!" Chapter 158

+25 BONUS

Just as Hayden and I stepped into the main hall, we saw them-Matthew sitting in a chair with Lindey on his lap, her hands half-heartedly pushing him away as he held her close.

It was kind of surprising to see that kind of affection, especially from a couple their age. Most people would settle into routines, and moments like this usually happen behind closed doors, if at all.

Hayden and I froze in the doorway, not sure if we should interrupt or just sneak back out.

I felt my face heat up instantly. Here we were, faking this whole relationship, and we'd just stumbled into a super real moment between a married couple. Talk about awkward.

I thought maybe we could quietly back out...

But, of course, Lindey's Toy Poodle spotted me and went nuts, barking like crazy and wagging its tail, totally excited. I'd spent way too much time spoiling that little thing when I stayed here, and clearly, it hadn't forgotten. The barking got Matthew's attention. He looked up, and when he saw us standing there, his expression shifted-definitely as awkward as I felt-before he let go of Lindey.

"You're such a goof," Lindey muttered, tugging on his ear with a playful grin.

Matthew grabbed her hand, lowering his voice. "Rea's here."