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.

the one Hayden left me, felt like

this, and then I'll give you something," Ron

""What is it?"

when I give it to you," he replied before walking

usual cheerful demeanor was gone, replaced by a helpless, hollow

like a piece of my soul had been ripped out. To Ron, Hayden was like a brother, his closest friend. For him, it

me company

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 she hadn't responded to my messages. No texts, no replies. When I asked

I decided to go straight to her

the door. Her cautious expression was clear as she asked,

Young. I'm Keira

moment, then tears welled

chest tighten. Whatever was going

Young led me inside, she said, "We don't even know if she's alive or dead anymore. If you know where she is, please,

where Demi was, I wouldn't have come here. But I couldn't add to Mrs. Young's worry,

to ask the question that had been haunting me. "What happened to Demi? Why would she try to take

didn't say a word to us. We've been trying to figure