Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 836

Prev Chapter
Background

Font family

Font size

Line hieght

Full frame
Yes No

No line breaks
Yes No
Next Chapter

Chapter 835

Tanya walked right into the trap. She'd been so desperate for the spotlight that she didn't even see it coming.

"Does this mean the police have everything they need? Will Hayden and the others be back soon?" | asked,

steering the conversation back to what actually mattered. "Yeah, it won't be long now. Aaron's handling the last

bit of cleanup," Jace replied.

As he spoke, | studied him more closely. He looked thinner-his already sharp features now even more defined.

| wasn't surprised. His parents were gone, his brother was on the run, and he'd been helpingjuggle crisis

after crisis. It was a lot for anyone to bear.

"You've been through so much lately," | said softly, my gratitude clear.

"This is my responsibility. Wayne caused this, so it's on me."

The calm, heavy way he said it struck me. Wayne always acted like he was Jace's equal- better, even-but in this

moment, Jace's integrity made their differences painfully obvious.

"Rea," Jace said, his voice pullingfrom my thoughts. "Today's the thirty-fifth day since my parents passed.

Will you cwithto visit them?"

My mom once toldthat the Kehimarkan tradition was to believe that souls linger for a while after death,

finally leaving on the thirty-fifth day.

"Of course," | said without hesitation.

ork

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

The cemetery was quiet.

Lindey and Matthew's gravestone had their photo etched on it, their names carved beneath. Their love story

hadn't been epic or fairy-tale perfect, but now they lay side by side-united in death.

"Lindey, Matthew, if you see my parents down there, let them know I'm doing okay."

As the words left my lips, | realized it was true | had forgiven them. Completely.

237. 257s

"Rea," Jace said, his voice full of gratitude. "Thank you."

It was clear he'd broughthere with a purpose.

| turned to him and smiled. "I never really hated them. I just... couldn't."

For ten years, they'd been my family. They'd shared that path with me, givingwarmth and love, even if it

hadn't been perfect.

1/3

+25 BONUS

"They would be at peace knowing that," Jace murmured, his gaze locked on the gravestone.

As we descended the cemetery steps, Jace spoke again, his tone quiet. "Rea, will you visit them every year from

now on?"

"Of course. Even if you didn't ask, | would."

"Good," he said. "That way, they won't be forgotten."

| glanced at him, walking beside me. "Jace, you've changed."

"Have I?" he asked, his tone detached.

"You have this... clarity now. Like you've let go of everything that used to hold you back," | said, finally putting

my finger on what had felt different about him. He smiled faintly but didn't deny it. "Maybe."

It was like he'd peeled back the layers of the world, seeing it for what it truly was-

detached and calm.

After everything he'd endured- our breakup, Wayne's return, losing his parents, and all the chaos that followed-it

wasn't surprising.

They say there's no greater sorrow than a heart that's gone numb. Maybe this was his way of surviving it all.

ork

After the cemetery, | headed home. As | approached my building, | noticed a pregnant woman holding the hand

of a little girl.

The girl was adorable-rosy cheeks, fair skin, and two perfect pigtails.

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

"You're so pretty," | couldn't help but say, smiling at her.

Inside the elevator, the little girl turned tosuddenly. "Miss, my mommy's having a baby brother, and you

have a baby girl in your belly."

| froze, stunned. My stomach was still flat-how could she know?

The woman looked flustered, apologizing quickly. "I'm so sorry, she's been saying random things like that

lately..."

"No," | interrupted, surprising myself. "She's right. | am pregnant."

The woman's eyes widened. "But you don't even look..."

"It's under three months," | explained softly.

2/3

+25 BONUS

Chapter 835

| reached out to gently pat the little girl's pigtails. "Thank you for your blessing. I'd love to have a daughter as

sweet and beautiful as you.

Her mom smiled. "You and your husband must be such a good-looking couple. Your baby's going to be adorable."

Her words caughtcompletely off guard. My hand froze on the elevator button.

7357. UT.

Report chapter Comments

Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Notify