Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 533

Jace looked wrecked-pale, hair a mess, rough stubble shadowing his jaw. I'd never seen him this messed up, like he'd had a night just as brutal as mine.

He must've found out about Matthew. Why else would he keep blowing up my phone?

Weirdly, I didn't feel the anger I'd expected. Instead, I felt... nothing. Like something in me had finally just burnt out. Maybe I was numb.

The doorway wasn't the place for this. I said, "Come in."

Jace walked in and dropped onto the couch across from me. "My mom told me everything... Rea, I'm so

sorry...

I didn't answer. I knew he hadn't just come here to apologize.

"Look, I know sorry's not enough. But I came here to ask... no, to beg... His voice cracked as he looked at me, his face full of something raw. "Please, just... can you spare my dad? Just for whatever time he has left?" Beg? Hearing that word from Jace was rare.

his recklessness, he'd always been fiercely loyal to

he owes

my dad's done... your family a debt he could never repay. But please, let him go. Let me pay back that debt instead."

of all the times I'd given

Jace droppe

the problem-I didn't know what I wanted from him or his family. And that made it worse. "What could you possibly do to make up for my parents'

know... no matter what we do, your

lost my parents-real, living people. All I have now is a

fought to keep it together. "Jace, do you know who I

but I didn't make him guess. "Myself," I whispered, slapping my own arm. "I hate that I have the same blood type

face fell, all the color draining

mess, this pain-it started with you. You're the one I should hate the most." I spat the words, every

happiness, my reason to get

irony

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