Chapter 54

Lindey and Matthew tensed up when I spoke, not surprised but definitely uneasy.

"Rea, we know about it. It's not your fault. It's that rascal Jace's fault. I scolded him. I told him to come back and apologize to you..." Lindey started, cursing Jace before I could even get a word in.

She was trying to keep me from saying what she didn't want to hear.

Matthew, more rational, interrupted her, "Let Rea speak."

Lindey's grip on my hand tightened, her eyes begging me not to say what she feared.

I lowered my gaze, trying to stay composed. "Jace and I have broken up."

The room fell into a heavy silence, with Lindey's grip tightening even more.

"Why?" Matthew's voice was deep and authoritative.

I knew I had to give them a reason they couldn't argue with, or this would never end. Just saying Jace and I were incompatible wouldn't cut it.

So, I decided to be honest. "Because of Tanya. He cares more about her than he does about me, his fiancée."

Lindey pulled my hand closer. "What has he