Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Hello 421

Chapter 421 +25 BONL

I had Steve check it out instead of just waiting for Hayden's conclusion. I mean, it was his dad driving that day, and I couldn't shake the feeling he might lie to protect him. Now, though? Yeah, I was totally overthinking it.

"You're thinking the brakes failed that day, huh?" Hayden asked.

We w

were officially together now, so no more dodging the truth. "Yeah. I need a real answer, though. Like, no guessing."

Hayden went quiet for a second, then asked, all soft, "Rea, if-and I'm just saying if-the brake thing had something to do with my dad, would you... would you leave me?"

The words hit like a punch in the gut, tightening my throat like someone was choking me. I knew why he asked, but honestly? I hadn't thought about it. It was too scary to even go there. "Hayden, I really don't know."

There was a part of me that believed-even if the accident was tied to his dad-that Hayden wasn't his dad. I couldn't blame him for something his dad might've done. But just because I could think that way didn't mean I actually could do it.

I shifted in his arms, trying to get comfortable. "If it's true... what would you do? Would you feel guilty and, like, push me away?"

I figured he

whispered, "All I know

he couldn't stand the thought, sent a wave of

won't happen," I whispered, more to myself than him "The universe can't be that

at first, then deeper, like he was trying to erase

more intense. It was like he

in my dreams, I was back at the scene of my parents' accident. The wrecked car, smoke everywhere, my parents' crushed

"Kiki."

matter how

start, Hayden shaking me gently. His face was

brushing

They were trapped in the

25

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Chapter 421

say anything. He just held

room so quiet I could hear our heartbeats. Then, suddenly, voices broke the silence-an argument

woman's voice screamed, full of anger and hurt. "If you were such a good guy, you never would've