Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Hello 495

Chapter 495

Why else would he spend all those years helping everyone, scraping by just to pay for his own sister's heart transplant?

And with Jace... if I hadn't given him blood, it would've been like watching him die right there in front of

1. me.

I couldn't figure out what was going on in Hayden's head, and I was done pretending I didn't notice. So, I opened my eyes, catching him off guard, making it impossible for him to hide that tenderness in his gaze. His hand, which had been gently tracing my cheek, froze. The warmth in his eyes flickered-too late to hide it.

After a moment, he pulled his hand back, but I was faster. I grabbed it, holding tight. "Hayden, what are you doing? You clearly care, so why are you putting me through this?" Tears spilled over. I swear, I was one of those people who cried way too easily.

I always told myself to stay strong, but my tears never got the memo. Fine-let them fall. If he was gonna see me cry, at least he'd know how much I cared, how much I loved him. Maybe, just maybe, he'd finally get how much he meant to me.

But he just stood there, silent, not even acknowledging my tears.

A minute ago, he was so careful, brushing them away while I slept. Now that I was awake, crying right in front of him? Nothing.

The way he just stood there, saying nothing-it was killing me.

love me and still push me away?" My voice

already," he replied,

head. "I don't buy it. You're not the type to misunderstand or

this isn't killing

of that v

non

wouldn't be dragging Ron into all-night

"

I'd catch a faint whiff of smoke on him, something he only did when

narrowed slightly. "You're right-I do love you. So yeah,

He was hurting too?

pain flare, the sting of betrayal

apple bobbed as he swallowed. "I love you, Keira, but not enough to

you-that doesn't mean

Chapter 495

+25 BONUS

should be mine. If you can give it up so easily for someone else, then maybe

be with your whole heart. I feel the same. Do you

didn't love him completely. But the

with Jace. He'd said he loved me, but he'd always chosen Tanya, leaving me behind again