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,

Like, what about my Hayden? He was already destroyed- gone, permanently.

in 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 be? Probably Jace pulling the same move as Matthew and Lindey,

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

I right? The universe always

I said, keeping my tone steady, "I get what you're trying to say. But this isn't something

that love turned into something dark and suffocating. His feelings had twisted so badly he didn't

of love doesn't

the choice to face Wayne head-on. I needed him to burn everything he had to the ground-because only then could I finish what he

my full name in that stiff,

been forever since he called me that. I knew immediately what

coming.

push himself up. Lindey rushed

he opened a drawer and pulled

little extra. Sign these, and it's all yours. But

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Chapter 629