Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Hello 396

Chapter 396

Chapter 396

Seeing Matthew struggle so hard to speak, I couldn't hold back my tears anymore.

I'd seen him in so many ways-confident, strong, always in control-but never like this, never this weak.

"Don't cry, Rea... don't cry," Matthew whispered, lifting his hand with all the strength he had left, trying to wipe my tears

away

I quickly grabbed his hand, wiping my tears on my sleeve instead. But then I froze.

Wait-this wasn't my jacket.

It was Jace's.

still in my nightgown. Once we got in the car, he handed me his jacket. I wanted to refuse, but it's not like I could go out

I promised, lifting my tear-streaked face and forcing

was both gentle and complicated, the kind that made my stomach twist. I tightened my grip on his hand. "You'll be okay. You have to be ok kind

his voice so weak I had to strain

weathered so many storms in life, always calm and logical.

your mom," he said suddenly, catching me

stranger. It sucked that we never got to talk-not

my mom was beautiful too," I said,

really good at taking care

right?" I

a good kid. You... will

bad about everything that

me really well," I said, not wanting him stuck on Jace's screw-ups

just kept staring

I walked in, he hadn't taken

had flown me here on a private jet just because Matthew wanted to see me. Even the nurse warned we only had two minutes. So I finally asked." What did you want to tell me?" "Rea," Matthew said softly, "Don't look into your

blindsided