Chapter 396

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 ever 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 and complicated, the kind that made my stomach twist. I tightened my grip on his hand. "You'll be okay. You have to be okay."

"I know my own body," M