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?"

narrowing my eyes at her. "You're way too calm. Not even a little wrecked-that's what feels off." Yara didn't even blink. "Who

told myself the same thing a hundred times just to keep

else bothering

But the words stuck in my throat. It was all just a

her bag and slid it across the table. "This

"What

she said, nodding

stared at the words contusion twisting

was ready months ago. The jeweler tried calling Hayden, but when he didn't pick up, they teached out to me to

grab it yourself? Why are you showing me this now? Trying to

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

her lips together before adding, "You must've hated me when

the thought of

you safe, Rea. Every step, every decision-he made it for you. And

my chest sharpened. I looked down at the paper again,

my wrist.

but Yara laughed anyway. "That red string you've tied