Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Hello 519

Chapter 519

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"Wait here," Jace said briskly, getting up.

Right now, he was acting like he'd do anything I asked, even anticipating what I needed before I said a word. If he'd been like this before, maybe things wouldn't have ended the way they did. But there's no use wondering about what-ifs. I'd closed that chapter for a reason.

As I looked away, my gaze happened to fall on his phone. The screen was paused on a video of me from a few years ago. I had no idea what I'd been doing in it or even why it had been recorded.

For a split second, I felt tempted to pick it up and see, but before I could decide, Jace returned with the

water.

He caught me looking at his phone but didn't seem fazed. Instead, he gave me a casual-smile. "While you were sleeping, I went through some old photos and videos. Turns out you're even prettier now than you were back then."

I took a sip of water, playing along. "Oh, so I wasn't cute enough before? Guess that explains a lot..."

he cut in, blocking my jab with a smirk.

more sips, feeling

I asked, popping a bite of salad. The tangy

heard me. I didn't push, just kept eating,

spoke. "It's

had ended as cleanly as Jace was making

over to wipe the corner of my mouth with his thumb. "Little bit of oil

pressed my lips together, feeling awkward.

things are just... habit. I only realize it after I've already

stuck, like the way he'd checked my

food, but then the woman from the bed across the room came in, talking to her relative. "There was a guy hanging around outside earlier, carrying a food container. Not sure what he was doing." My hand froze mid-bite, and

woman continued, "I thought he might be trouble, so I followed him quietly. And you won't believe this -he just tossed

trash can did he

looked a bit surprised, then offered me an awkward

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