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.

bell, the one Hayden left me, felt like a lifeline pulling me

me process this, and then I'll give you something,"

""What is it?"

I give it to you,"

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

Hayden was like a brother, his closest friend. For him,

me company

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 she hadn't

decided to go straight to

opened the door. Her cautious expression was clear

I'm

moment, then tears welled up in her eyes.

my chest tighten. Whatever was going on

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

couldn't add to Mrs. Young's worry, so I nodded. "I'll do my

happened to Demi? Why would she try to take her

a word to us. We've been trying to