Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 665

By the time I'd calmed down enough to function, I freshened up in the restroom and headed straight for the airport. Ron wasn't kidding about cutting it close-the plane had already landed by the time I got there.

Tall, probably over six feet, rocking an unbuttoned black dress shirt under a matching vest, paired with tailored black slacks. He gave off major celebrity vibes, the kind where people turn to stare without even realizing they're doing it.

I plastered on my polite-work-smile and stepped up. "Hi, I'm Keira Kay from OceanixCorp. Mr. Shane had an emergency, so he asked me to pick you up," I said, offering a handshake.

"Aaron Ace," he replied, shaking it briefly. "Give me a second. I need to grab my checked luggage."

"I'll come with you," I said, falling into step beside him toward baggage claim..

That's when I saw them-Lena and Nate.

Even without context, it was obvious what was happening. The way they walked, hand in hand, with just one suitcase between them, said it all. Nate was leaving.

Neither of them spoke as they made their way to the carousel, stopping just shy of the crowd. There was this quiet heaviness in the air, like the kind that wraps around you before a storm.

should go back," Nate finally said, breaking the silence in this gentle,

didn't answer. Instead, Nate brushed a strand of her hair back, his fingers lingering for a beat too long. He didn't need to say anything else. What could he even say? No words were going to change the fact that he was leaving or make Lena feel any less alone once he was

it," he repeated, taking a step back. But before he could move, Lena grabbed his hand, pulling him closer.

believe it. Then he let

were surrounded by strangers or the chaos of the baggage claim. For that moment, it was just them, pouring every

her, she slipped out of his arms and walked away without looking back I took a step toward her instinctively, wanting to go after her,

this, she'd probably rather be alone,"

I glanced at him, curious. He

but he didn't wait. He just turned

***

+25 BONUS

Chapter 665

parking lot,

puffy eyes were a dead giveaway. She'd

forward, holding out

anything, but her gaze slid past me and landed on Aaron instead. Her whole vibe shifted. "What