Chapter 397

"No," Matthew insisted, shaking his head. "Don't let your thoughts run wild... I just think you should focus on your work, and your future with Hayden."

His voice grew weaker with every word. The nurse stepped forward, clearly ready to step in, but Matthew stopped her with just a look. She sighed and said, "One more minute, at most."

I knew how bad things were with him, and even though I needed to know what he was hiding, I couldn't push him now. His health had to come first. "We can talk later. You need to rest."

But Matthew gripped my hand, tighter than I expected. "Rea, promise me."

His desperation hit hard. The more he insisted, the more certain I became—there was something off about my parents' accident.

But I could see it in his eyes—he wasn't going to say anything more. It felt pointless to push him. With how fragile he was, I could only let it go, at least for now. "Alright, I promise."

The tension in his face finally eased, but he still didn't let go of my hand. "Rea, lo