Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 628

When Wayne and I stepped into the Johnston residence, the vibe hit like a cold slap. Jace was there. And from the way his expression curdled the second he saw me, he wasn't thrilled about it either.

Lindey, though? Total opposite. She rushed toward me, tears glinting in her eyes as she dabbed at them. "I've been waiting so long to see you," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Matthew sat slumped in a rocking chair by the couch. He looked worse than before-thinner, weaker, like he'd aged a decade overnight. When his gaze flicked to mine, it darted away just as quickly, heavy with guilt. Some truths, once out there, can't be stuffed back into the shadows.

"Hi, Matthew," I said evenly, keeping it civil. I'd decided to move on, so I wasn't about to act like he owed me anything.

He gave a slight nod but didn't say a word,

* Jace got up and brushed past Wayne, his voice clipped as he said, "Come with

me."

Jace had never been one to hide how he felt. His anger was like a neon sign- blaring and impossible to miss. Everyone in the room knew exactly what was coming.

a worried glance, her lips parting like she wanted to say something but couldn't

between us until she finally cracked. "Rea, I've noticed you and Wayne seem to be getting

pursuing me," I said bluntly. No point dancing around

Matthew went stiff in

of times before she managed, "And you... have you accepted?" The tension in her voice made it clear

once hinted that Wayne might be worth considering-something about keeping me "in

We

otherwise, like

broken past, the betrayal, the quilt was out in the open now, and with

obvious how deeply he feels for me." I let the moment hang before adding,

knew. Wayne being sent abroad for four years wasn't random. They'd seen his feelings for me and decided it was easier to ship him off than

I won't hold back either. You've been with Jace before. If you were to be with Wayne now, sure, we might brush off

stayed quiet,

softened, but it was heavy with emotion. "Jace made mistakes. He hurt you in ways he shouldn't have. But he knows that now. He's paid for

strong. But you and Jace were together for years. Even when you