Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Hello 528

Chapter 528

+25 BONUS

The lights in the Johnston main hall were blinding, making everything feel sharper, more intense.

Lindey didn't give me her usual warm welcome. Instead, her expression was all nerves.

Matthew just sat there, still as a statue.

I couldn't ignore how frail he looked now-thinner, with hair that had gone almost completely white. But as Hayden and I stepped in, he barely reacted, his face a blank slate Lindey got up, awkwardly. "Rea, Hayden... you're here."

"Lindey. Matthew," I greeted, same as always.

Matthew gestured for us to sit, and Isabel brought over tea.

Matthew asked, breaking the

to shrug it off, but my wrist burned-a painful reminder of hours spent

Her hand twitched like she wanted to reach out, but she held back.

put some ointment on that later," Matthew said, his voice

bitter taste filled my mouth. "That won't be

Lindey's voice was barely

He looked at me directly. "Rea, ask what

throat tight. "Is what Thorsten told me

like a father for so long. And suddenly, I was

answer would wreck

the words I dreaded still

hit like

breath caught, and I stared at him, my gaze shaky. Matthew held my eyes, steady. "Your parents' deaths... I arranged

collapsed right

it all out, I'd clung to the hope that without Matthew's confession, it couldn't be