Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 636

Yara's question hit me sideways. I hadn't dared let my mind go there.

I hadn't dared to entertain such a thought,

I mean, I saw him collapse, heard the doctor say the surgery didn't work, and yeah, I even held his ashes. That's as final as it gets.

Sure, I've dreamed about him coming back. But those were just desperate little fantasies.

Life isn't some cheesy movie. Hayden died. End of story. No rewrites, no miracles. I hated it, but the truth didn't care about my feelings.

"I wish he wasn't," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Then why are you here, grilling me if you've already made peace with it?" Yara shot back.

I studied her for a moment. "Because something feels off," I said finally.

Her eyes narrowed. "What exactly feels off?"

"You're way too calm. Not even a little wrecked-that's what feels off." Yara didn't even blink. "Who says I'm not devastated?" she replied

thing a

else bothering you?"

But the words stuck in my throat. It was

I stayed quiet, Yara pulled a slip of paper from her bag and

"What is

a look," she

at the

tried calling Hayden, but when

you showing me this now? Trying to

me. That ring was always for you. I was just there to keep people from asking questions. If you don't believe me, check the size. Or better, read the engraving-it's got both your last names." I froze,

lips together before adding, "You must've hated me when you thought I was picking

then, just the thought of it

made it

the paper again, the weight of it suffocating. Words

to my wrist. "Nice

laughed anyway. "That red