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 his

he owes

But please, let him go. Let me pay back that debt

me, reminding me of all the times I'd given my

Jace droppe

problem-I didn't know what I wanted from him or his family. And that

defeated. "Rea, I know... no matter

living people. All I have now is a cold gravestone to call Mom and Dad."" My

do you

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

color draining out like he'd taken

I should hate

my happiness, my reason to get

irony

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