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

wanted to shrug it off, but my wrist burned-a painful reminder

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

put some ointment on that later," Matthew

taste filled my mouth. "That won't

was

looked at me directly. "Rea, ask what you came to

throat tight. "Is

a father for so long. And suddenly, I was

answer would wreck

I dreaded

like a punch to the

him, my gaze shaky. Matthew held my

world collapsed

it all out, I'd clung to