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.

and he would follow through on his word. However, I'm terrified of what his answer would be if it turned out his father

to come to this. Yet, I couldn't ignore the truth about

also looking into Arthur. However, Arthur already told

started to spiral

Things might

trembling even more, feeling like I was about to collapse, so I buried myself in his

be that. Brandon had become my

emotions finally settled,

she beamed and said, "Mae, I made some mushroom soup. Come and try it!"

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

wasn't far behind. After all, she had been living on her own, so

through such emotional turmoil, it was exactly what I needed. Brandon also sat down to eat,

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

I could hear faintly the hushed