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.

was a future with him. But you? You knew it was hopeless

it stung, but it was the

to sabotage Jace and kept the truth hidden-for his own reasons. That's what hurt

repeating the word with a bitter laugh. "Yeah, that sounds

behind it-like he was calling me foolish for loving Jace for so

I gave him one last reminder. "You and Jace can fight all you

The second he saw me, he walked over and grabbed my hand, not asking a single question.

the recording that exposed Tanya and Brad's scheme. He had quietly gotten it for me after I'd voiced my suspicions about Wayne's behavior and Tanya's motives. Hayden had done

never made a big deal about it, but he always handled the stuff that made

asked after a while, realizing we hadn't found her

quieter," Hayden said,

was still recovering, and a crowded

+25 BONUS

judgment.

much further?" I asked, feeling exhaustion

Hayden teased,

didn't hide it.

me to carry you?" he offered