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?"

at her. "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

point. I'd told myself the same thing a hundred times just to

bothering

But the words stuck in my throat. It was all just a hunch-nothing I

paper from her

frowned. "What

she said, nodding toward

I stared at the words

jeweler tried calling Hayden, but when he didn't pick up, they teached out to me

not just grab it yourself? Why are you showing me this now? Trying to mess with me?" I

do with it? It's not for 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,

me when

wasn't wrong. Back then, just the

decision-he made it for

in my chest sharpened. I looked down at the paper again, the weight of it suffocating.

gaze flicked to my wrist. "Nice bracelet. The design's really

her comment, but Yara laughed anyway. "That red