Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I froze, staring at him in shock.

Brandon's father was the driver. If there were an issue with the brakes, it would be his responsibility.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. We just stood there, looking at each other.

After a while, Brandon's hand on my shoulder moved slightly. "My father was the driver. If the brakes failed, whether it was due to human error or a mechanical issue, he's responsible."

A chill ran through me, not from the weather but from the emotions swirling inside me.

If things between Brandon and I hadn't progressed to this point, it would have been easy for me to hold his father accountable. Now that Brandon was the closest person to me, I had no idea how to handle it if h responsible for the accident.

"Mae, you know I've been investigating my father's death. This is connected. Once I uncover the truth, I'll give you a clear answer," Brandon

said with unwavering sincerity, not once faltering even though it involved his father.

However, I'm terrified of

come to this. Yet, I couldn't ignore the truth about my parents' accident just because

that he was also looking into

started

hand on the back of my neck, gently pressing down. "Mae, don't overthink it. Things might

I was about to collapse, so I buried myself in his embrace. I didn't speak, but deep inside, I was

that. Brandon had become

until my emotions finally settled, and then he took me back

I made some mushroom soup. Come and try it!" Brandon looked at me first. "You should try it. Ellie's mushroom soup is

my brother's recipe and made some improvements," Ellie

all, she had been living on her own, so taking care of

of the soup. It was warm and comforting. After being out in the cold and going through such emotional turmoil, it

went outside. Then she called out, "Bran, come help

I could hear faintly