Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 624

They say men don't cry easily, especially not in front of women.

But I saw it with my own eyes-Ron's face crumpling, his reddened eyes filling with tears until they spilled down his cheeks..

I didn't try to comfort him. I just walked out, leaving him to grieve Hayden in his

own way.

Ron had said this company belonged to Hayden, though

on paper, Ron was the official owner. That said everything about their bond. Hayden had trusted him enough to put everything in his hands.

And now Hayden was gone. How was Ron, who'd clearly been waiting for him to come back, supposed to accept that?

The pain he felt couldn't be much different from my own.

I left his office and headed to Hayden's workspace. As a chief engineer, Hayden had always been hands-on for R&D, so his office was packed with experimental * tools and equipment. Yet, despite all the chaos of his work, the room was immaculate, every item in its place-so very him.

My gaze landed on the notebook on his desk, left open to a page of data. His handwriting, bold and precise, stood out like he'd just written it yesterday.

The ache in my chest came rushing back, sharp and relentless.

scent still lingering-was him.

hollow ache was something only those who'd lost someone could

a drawer. Inside, I found the usual stuff-pens, USB drives, notebooks, Bluetooth headphones. Then my eyes caught on a transparent

It was a bracelet.

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There was also a folded piece of paper tucked inside. When I

wave. This bracelet had been meant for me. Hayden had been working on

up with me to protect me. Now, this little bell proved it. Even after pushing me away, I

like

I couldn't complete it. The clasp

finished making it before... before

his life.

a box. It was meant for me, and

wasn't there,

Hayden, I'd figure

found me, I had just finished fastening the bracelet with a braided red cord I'd crafted into a makeshift

every little movement, its sound sweet

workspace?" Ron asked, his voice rough, his

knew it

2/3

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