Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 653

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Nate finally brought it up. Lena had thought about it before, so when he asked her now, she didn't even hesitate with her answer.

"What about you? Why not come back and work here?" she countered instead.

Nate stilled for a moment. "I can't right now."

He didn't offer an explanation, and Lená didn't push. Instead, she said, "I don't want to move overseas."

That was the end of it. Sensing her mood dip, Nate pulled her close. "I'll apply to come back next year." "Okay," Lena murmured, her eyes fluttering shut.

"You get some rest. I'll take a quick shower," Nate said, getting up and heading to the bathroom.

Lena opened her eyes but didn't move, staring blankly at the ceiling. She'd always thought long-distance

relationships were no big deal, but now she knew just how exhausting they could be.

Suddenly, Nate's phone buzzed. Lena glanced at the screen, spotting the name. "Nate, it's Retta," she called out. "Answer it," Nate replied casually from the bathroom, his tone completely unfazed.

smirked as she picked up

other end before

adding with a little extra cheer, "He told me to take

coming the day after tomorrow. He needs to attend the meeting. He should head

Lena asked, keeping her tone casual, though she knew this wasn't

about a reminder.

waited. She'd called now, at this exact moment, for

"Lena, do you really think

wasn't even trying to hide

don't know," Lena answered. "But I'm not worried about forever. I'm focused

was just being real. Nobody could promise forever, but right now? Nate was the only one she cared about. Retta went

Nate's phone on the windowsill. With a quick

below snagged her attention-a sleek black car parked outside. It was definitely

inside. She squinted, trying to make out the face, but before she could, the window slid up, and

you

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Chapter 653

fresh out of

stars and the moon," Lena said, turning back to him and handing over his phone. She relayed Retta's reminder about the professor but left out