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 Wayne,

my Hayden?

conversation. Couldn't hear a word, but let's be real-there's a 99% chance i t was about me. Because why wouldn't it

bet this whole mess was 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 harmony they'd worked so hard to fake was

am I right? The universe

"I get what you're trying to say. But this isn't something I can control. If Wayne refuses to let go, what exactly am I supposed to

loved me too much, for too long, until that love turned into something dark and suffocating. His feelings had twisted so

of love

head-on. I needed him to burn everything he had to the ground-because only

said, using my full

called me that. I knew immediately

coming.

his chair, struggling to push himself up. Lindey

a drawer and pulled out a

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.

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Chapter 629