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.

news, you'll be the first to know," Wayne said, his tone steady. But then he hesitated. "I've had someone look into her boyfriend." The pause

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

to connect the dots. Demi's suicide was starting to make a terrible

is he now?" I

"In jail."

in a sharp breath.

he

Chapter 627

resting there. It wasn't flashy like roses, but simple and soft-lavender mixed with baby's breath. The kind of arrangement that felt thoughtful, almost calming. Wayne smiled softly, his eyes warm. "I can't give you

words were

he spoke, it was clear-Wayne

side for a moment, meeting his gaze head-on."

locked in the rearview mirror, and he

layered, their meaning

being with Wayne would humiliate him. That lingering thought pushed me to ask, "Doesn't my past bother you? Aren't you afraid of people talking behind your

a beat too long, so I pressed on. "And Jace? Aren't you

turned bitter. "Back then, I was afraid of all that-what people would say, how Jace would react. That's why I let so much time pass. Why I

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