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, breaking the

wrist burned-a painful reminder of

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

ointment on that

taste filled my mouth. "That won't

voice was

at me

throat tight. "Is what Thorsten told

like a

his answer would wreck

the words I dreaded still came from

hit like a

stared at him, my gaze shaky. Matthew

collapsed right

though Thorsten had laid it all out, I'd clung to the hope that without