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 I 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