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.

hurt?" Matthew asked,

it off, but my wrist burned-a painful reminder of

reach out, but she held back. It was like she wasn't sure if she

Lindey put some ointment on that later,"

taste filled my mouth. "That won't

voice was

hand, stopping her. He looked at me directly. "Rea, ask what you

swallowed, my throat tight. "Is what

who'd been like a father for

his answer would wreck everything I

I dreaded still came from

single word hit like

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

collapsed right

it all out, I'd clung to the