Chapter 134

"In a few days, it'll be Matthew's birthday. You're coming, right?"

Lindey's words caught me off guard, reminding me that Matthew's birthday was indeed coming up.

Even if she hadn't brought it up, I wouldn't have forgotten. I had reminders set for everyone's birthdays in the Johnston family. Living with them, I always tried to make sure everything was perfect, just to keep everyone happy.

I wasn't exactly treated like an outsider, but I still walked on eggshells, always worried that one wrong move might make them think less of me or, worse, dislike me.

Lost in thought, I didn't answer right away, so Lindey added, "Rea, you know we've always thought of you as our daughter. Every year, we've appreciated your gifts and well wishes on our birthdays. If you don't come this year, Matthew will be really disappointed."

I hadn't planned on going, but I'd already arranged for a gift to be delivered.

Now that she was asking directly, it was hard to say no, especially with Jace acting like a