Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 535

"Then why did you make a wish for everyone?" I asked, puzzled.

The smile faded from Lena's face. "Over the years, I've seen too many women fighting cancer, too many babies who never got a chance to see the world, too many heartbreaking goodbyes. "Every time I see it, it hurts... I just wish I didn't have to see it anymore.

"I think I'd be a lot happier that way.

She took my hand. "So, in a way, my hope for everyone is also a hope for myself."

In that moment, I looked at Lena, and there was something almost radiant about her, like she was shining from within.

She didn't seem to notice and asked, "Are you sure you want to climb all the way up? You could just make your wish from here. It's all about what's in your heart, right?"

"I'm going up," I said, feeling my hesitation disappear.

"Are you sure you're up for it? You could come back with me," she suggested, watching me closely.

I nodded. "I can handle it."

the monastery at the top of the mountain. "Once

"Thanks, but I think I'll skip out on this

if she was worried, so

a light smack on the arm. "What could possibly be wrong? Don't overthink it. I just don't love hiking, you know? Remember the one time I tried? I was practically crawling by the end."

"Alright, you head back. I'll go

up at the mountain. "I don't feel great about leaving

I'll text you the whole way, and if anything happens, you'll be

hands together

bumped fists, and I set

washed away by the recent storms, but I pushed through, gritting my pressing on. Lena's words echoed in my mind. For some reason, her wish had

teeth and

Chapter 535

+25 BONUS

stirring inside, like a flame I hadn't

tough,

wish: "May this world be free of harm, free of broken families, and may kindness fill every heart." Afterward, I went to find Abbot Levinsky. He wasn't reciting any scriptures; instead, he was quietly sweeping the hall and tending to the sanctuary lights.

cabinet in the prayer hall. I remembered that once lit a sanctuary lamp for me. I couldn't help but look

my heart was caught in