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

Yet, I couldn't ignore the truth about my parents' accident just because of my feelings

also looking into Arthur. However, Arthur already

started to spiral

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

not be that. Brandon had

a long time until my emotions finally

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

recipe and made

an excellent cook, and Ellie wasn't far behind. After all, she had been living on her own, so taking care of

cold and going through such emotional turmoil,

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

soup, but I could hear faintly the hushed conversation between the siblings