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.

would follow through on his word. However, I'm terrified of what his answer would

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

said he would investigate and that he was also looking into

started to

of my neck, gently pressing down. "Mae, don't overthink it. Things might not be as bad as we fear." He understood that if the

I was about to collapse, so I buried myself in his embrace.

it not be that. Brandon

until my emotions finally settled, and then he took me

had returned before us. When she saw us holding hands, she beamed and said, "Mae, I made some mushroom soup. Come and try it!" Brandon looked at me

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

Ellie wasn't far behind. After all, she had

After being out in the cold and going through such emotional turmoil, it was exactly what I needed. Brandon also sat down to eat, but neither of us spoke. Only Ellie

down her bowl and went outside. Then she called

drinking my soup, but I could hear faintly the hushed conversation