Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Hello 418

Chapter 418

Wayne's grip on my hand loosened, his expression softening as the tension drained from his face.

"Do you think even less of me now? His voice was low, almost like he'd given up.

"It's not about looking down on you, Wayne," I said, locking eyes with him. "Back then, I chose Jace because he made my heart race, not because you weren't good enough. But now... after everything? I'm just disappointed." "Do you even know why I did all this?" he asked quietly.

I laughed bitterly. "You were so clear-headed when you left four years ago. How did you end up like this, Wayne? Why are you losing yourself now?"

Back then, when I got together with Jace, whatever path there was with Wayne had closed. Even after Jace and I broke up, Wayne and I were never going to be more than 'siblings."

"You loved Jace for ten expected.

1. s. I've loved you just as long." he confessed, and his words hit harder than I

But sympathy wasn't what I felt-it was just a reminder of old wounds.

Loving someone in silence? I understood that. But I still had to be real with him, no matter how much it hurt.

loved Jace because I thought there was a future with him. But you? You knew it was hopeless and kept going anyway. That's not love, Wayne-It's foolishness. You

but it

now, Wayne had tried to sabotage Jace and kept the truth hidden-for his own reasons. That's what

word with a bitter laugh.

a clear sting behind it-like he was calling

gave him one last reminder. "You and Jace

me outside. The second he saw me, he walked over and

gotten it for me after I'd voiced my suspicions about Wayne's behavior and Tanya's motives. Hayden had done the rest, investigating behind the scenes and showing up today

he always handled the stuff that

I asked after a while, realizing

quieter," Hayden said, his voice steady and

was still recovering, and a crowded place

+25 BONUS

judgment.

I asked, feeling exhaustion creeping

Hayden teased, catching

didn't hide

he offered with a