Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 629

"Lindey, betrayal's not a one-and-done deal. If someone screws you over once, they'll do it again. Jace blew his last chance with me. Even if Wayne isn't an option, Jace never will be," I said, shutting down Lindey's last bit of wishful thinking. "You can't pick Wayne either," Matthew finally chimed in from the sidelines.

Oh, shocker. This little intervention? Definitely something he and Lindey cooked up together.

"Matthew," I said with a sharp smile, "newsflash: people are allowed to make their own choices. Crazy, right? Also, does Wayne even know you two are scheming behind his back?"

His expression darkened. "Rea, I know things between us are... beyond repair. You've decided not to hold me accountable, but let's not pretend you don't resent me for everything. If you're mad, aim it at me. But I'm not going to let you be the reason my sons tear each other apart." "Relax, Matthew. I'm not here to play puppet master with your sons," I said, my smile twisting into something bitter. "All I want is a normal life-a partner who actually loves me and a home that feels real. Just for once."

"Rea, if all you want is someone to love you, I could introduce you to someone.

better," Lindey cut in.

"Oh, sure," I said, tilting my head. "But would Wayne be cool with that? Because, fun fact, on the way here, he straight-up told me he only wants me-even if I'm

still hung up on Hayden."

That shut them both up real quick.

They exchanged a glance. Grim expressions? Check. Awkward silence? Double

check.

with sorrow. "But if you choose

what about my Hayden? He

Couldn't hear a word, but let's be real-there's a 99% chance i t was about

the Johnstons' worst nightmare. I mean, they only took me in to play the good guys after wrecking my parents' lives. And now? The family

am I right? The universe always

to say. But this isn't something

me. He loved me too much, for too long, until that love turned into something dark and suffocating. His feelings had twisted so badly he didn't even blink at scheming or hurting others-even his own brother-just

kind of love

burn everything he had to the ground-because only then could I finish what

Kay," Matthew said, using my full name in that

since he called me that. I knew immediately what

coming.

sides of his chair, struggling to push himself up. Lindey rushed to help him to the couch across from

opened a drawer and pulled out a

everything you're owed-and a little extra. Sign these, and it's all yours. But there's one condition: you leave this house and stay out of my sons' lives. For

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Chapter 629