Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter

627

I let out a weak laugh. Ron wasn't the type to call just to shoot the breeze-he'd probably wanted to make sure I was still breathing.

Lifting my wrist, I kissed the tiny bell dangling there. "Hayden, your buddy's still got my back for you."

By evening, Wayne showed up at the office to pick me up.

Standing in the golden light of sunset, he practically glowed, his whole figure framed like some kind of cinematic shot.

People walking by couldn't help but stare. A few bold girls even called out," Mister, you're so handsome!"

Wayne didn't even blink, his eyes locked on me like the rest of the world had faded to static.

"Looks like you're quite the heartbreaker now," I teased, stepping closer.

His smile was faint. "And you're still as cheeky as ever."

"Any news on Demi?" I asked, the weight of my worry still pressing on me.

know," Wayne said, his tone steady. But then he hesitated.

debt-online loans, high-interest ones. And he's been seeing multiple

that to connect the dots. Demi's suicide was starting to

he

"In jail."

drew in a sharp breath.

nodded. "I'll arrange it," he said, leading me

Chapter 627

The kind of arrangement that felt thoughtful, almost calming. Wayne smiled softly, his eyes warm. "I can't give you the stars you want, but I can at least offer you

were undeniably

the bouquet and the way he spoke,

moment, meeting his gaze head-on." Are you trying to pursue

Our eyes locked in

words felt layered,

pushed me to ask, "Doesn't my past bother you? Aren't you afraid of people talking behind your back, saying things that could

on. "And Jace? Aren't you afraid

then, I was afraid of all that-what people would say, how Jace would react. That's why I let so much

took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "You should know... my heart belongs to Hayden. Even if..." I hesitated, locking