The Doormat Wife’s Ultimate Glow-Up novel Chapter 439

“I hated my father. I hated him for ruining my mother’s life, and for bringing me into this world only to trap me in a childhood that felt endless and dark.”

“When he died, I didn’t cry. Not even a little. Honestly, I felt relieved, like justice had finally caught up with him. It was what he owed my mom and me, and now it was finally over.”

Matthew squeezed Reese’s hand. “Reese, none of this is your fault. Not how you feel about Bailey, not any of it.”

“He was the one who failed you as a father. He hurt you, he used you, over and over, pushing you away every time. He was the one who broke your bond, not you.”

“You don’t have to force yourself to love him or feel sad just because he was your dad. Family isn’t supposed to be a one-way street.”

“The real you, the honest you, no masks, no pretending… that’s what I treasure most.”

Reese looked up and saw the raw concern and love in Matthew’s eyes. The confusion and self-doubt swirling inside her slowly faded, replaced by something softer, something that felt like hope.

He really saw her. He understood that her coldness came from pain, and that her strength was hiding how fragile she felt inside.

She couldn’t keep it in any longer. She reached for him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing her face against his chest, like she’d finally found a place she could rest.

She could feel his heart beating, steady and strong, right through his shirt. That simple rhythm made her feel safe.

“Matthew, we don’t get to pick where we come from.”

The scent of his soap lingered between them, and all her tension and exhaustion just melted away.

Matthew held her close, gentle as if he were comforting a scared kitten. He rubbed her back and whispered in her ear.

“I know.”

“I’m just grateful the universe let me meet you.”

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, slow and soft, pouring all his tenderness and affection into that touch, as if she was the most precious thing in the world.

“I’ll always love you. No matter what.”

Reese felt her eyes sting. Her heart was so full she could barely breathe.

She’d spent so many years weathering storms alone, always putting on a brave face. But in Matthew’s arms, surrounded by his warmth, all her defenses broke apart.

She looked up, caught the tenderness shining in his eyes. On impulse, she rose up on her toes and kissed him.

The kiss was gentle and light, but it was filled with everything they felt, all the love and comfort they had for each other.

For a moment, the world slipped away. The hallway noises, footsteps, voices, even the distant beeping… it all faded, leaving only the heat of their bodies and the steady thud of their hearts.

After a while, they pulled apart. Matthew rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling, his gaze soft and full of unspoken promises.

“Do you feel better?” he asked quietly, his voice laced with a hint of worry.

“Yeah.” His eyes flashed cold. “Twenty years ago lines up exactly with when Bailey and Nathaniel started their illegal organ trade. The warehouse rental matches that timeline.”

“And get this, the rent’s always been paid through an anonymous account. Not a single missed payment, all these years.”

“The place is locked down tight, too. Multiple hidden cameras, regular patrols.”

“My people tried getting close, but they were chased off by guys they couldn’t identify. Someone’s definitely running the place, keeping whatever’s inside protected.”

“That warehouse must mean a lot to Nathaniel. There’s got to be something in there he really doesn’t want found.”

Reese’s face lit up with a glimmer of hope. If they could get their hands on whatever was inside, and add it to the evidence they already had, maybe they could finally prove what Nathaniel and Bailey did all those years ago.

Matthew clearly had the same thought. He gently ruffled her hair, then pulled out his phone and dialed Frank, the head of the special police unit.

“Captain Frank, it’s Matthew.”

He got right to the point.

“My team traced a warehouse at Pier Three, west Brookfield. It’s been under Drew’s name, one of Nathaniel’s men, for twenty years.”

“I think there’s something seriously important to Nathaniel hidden there.”