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.

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

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

that he was also looking into

started to spiral

Things might not be as bad as

collapse, so I buried

let it not be that. Brandon had become my

time until my emotions finally settled, and then

"Mae, I made some mushroom soup. Come and try it!" Brandon looked at me first. "You should

and made some improvements,"

all, she had been living on her

cold and going through such emotional turmoil, it

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

could hear faintly the hushed conversation between