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.

left me, felt like a lifeline pulling me back

then I'll give you something," Ron said

""What is it?"

give it to

Ron, to say something-anything-but the look on his face. stopped me. His usual cheerful demeanor was gone, replaced

my life. Losing him felt like a piece of my soul had been ripped out. To Ron, Hayden was like a brother, his closest

me company as the hours dragged

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 around, I learned

I decided to go straight

the door. Her cautious expression was clear

I'm Keira

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

was going

if she's alive or dead anymore. If you know where she is, please, I beg

was, I wouldn't have come here. But I couldn't add to Mrs. Young's worry, so I nodded. "I'll do my best

to Demi? Why would she try to take her own life? Do you

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