Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 625

+25 BONUS

It seemed that, aside from Yara, Ron was another person who truly knew Hayden.

At least, he knew more about the dangers Hayden had faced than I ever did.

But I wasn't ready to dig into Hayden's past struggles. Just thinking about the pain he might have endured made my chest tighten. Knowing more would only make me miss him more.

"I don't believe it," Ron said again.

I got it. Deep down, I didn't fully believe Hayden was gone either. To me, it felt like he'd just gone somewhere out of reach.

"Then let's just think of it as him taking a long trip," I said softly, shaking the little bell on my bracelet.

Its crisp, clear chime filled the silence, soothing the ache in my chest like a gentle touch.

How strange. How wonderful.

Hayden left me, felt like a lifeline pulling me back from the

this, and then I'll give you

""What is it?"

when I give it to

something-anything-but the look on his face. stopped me. His usual cheerful demeanor was gone, replaced by a helpless, hollow loneliness, like someone who'd lost their whole

been ripped out. To Ron, Hayden was like a brother, his closest friend. For him, it must have been like losing a part of himself. After Ron left, I stayed in my office, absently

chimes kept me company as the

noon, I left the company and headed to Demi's house. I'd tried reaching out to her yesterday after coming back, but her phone had been off, and

I decided to go straight to her

door. Her cautious expression was clear as she asked, "Who are

I'm Keira

froze for a moment, then tears welled up in her eyes.

was

don't even know if she's alive or dead anymore. If

was, I wouldn't have come here. But I couldn't add to Mrs.

"What happened to Demi? Why

shook her head. "She didn't say a word to us.