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 be if it

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

investigate and that he was also

started to

Brandon placed his hand on the 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

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

that. Brandon had become

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

made some mushroom soup. Come

stole my brother's recipe and made

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

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 what I needed. Brandon also

her bowl and went outside. Then she called out,

hear faintly the hushed conversation