Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 639

I was stunned.

Lena, ever the doctor, wasn't about to rely on guesswork or theories.

She grabbed my hand, her expression soft but resolute. "Rea, you need to move. on. Hayden was incredible, but he's gone. Holding on like this isn't good for you- or for him."

Her eyes dropped to the ring on my finger. "You and Jace used to go to monastery services, right? You've heard the saying-when someone who's passed is held onto too tightly, they can't find peace or move on." At the end of science lies superstition. I didn't dismiss her words outright; my mom used to tell me the same thing when I was little.

"Rea, let him go. Live your life-really live it. That's the best way to honor him."

It wasn't about not being able to let Hayden go-it was the unanswered questions surrounding his death that refused to leave me alone.

For the first time, I felt like Lena didn't get it. I couldn't blame her, though. Anyone else in her position would've thought the same thing-that I was just stuck on Hayden.

"Fine. I'll let go," I said with a faint smile, steering the conversation away. "You crushed it as today's director. Let me treat you to dinner."

"Well, you're the rich one now," Lena said with a playful grin. "You've got so much money, the interest alone is ridiculous. I want top-tier everything."

If I wasn't spending it, who was I

took her to the highest observation restaurant in Seavora, where we ate like queens. Afterward, I

you today?" Lena asked, narrowing her

You're the one who said I couldn't move on. Well,

7/2

to a bar, but rd also arranged for

guys to join us

officially lost it,"

lowering my voice. "You're not married.

using this as an excuse to stirup trouble," Lena shot

everything-life, philosophy, and the kind of nonsense that only makes

Lena pinched me.

being ridiculous. I know what you're trying to do, but don't take it too

think it is. I just need to test my theory one last time-my

"I hope

we left the bar, each of us brought one of

and I stayed in one room while the two guys were parked

you