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.

I'm terrified of what his answer would be if it turned out his father was

I couldn't ignore the truth about my parents'

and that he was also looking into Arthur. However, Arthur already told me

mind started

back 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 worst came to pass, it could devastate

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

let it not be that. Brandon had become my

for a long time until my emotions finally settled, and then he

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 first. "You should try it. Ellie's

and made

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

sat down and took a sip of the soup. It was warm and comforting. After being out in the cold and going through such emotional turmoil, it was exactly

while, Ellie put down her bowl and went outside. Then she called out,

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