Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 670

Chapter 670

Mr. Yule set the tea down and walked over to the old photo on the wall. "This is my family portrait," he said softly. "I'm the only one left now."

"Family portrait?" I asked, pointing to the little girl in the red dress. "She's part of your family too?"

"That's my younger sister. She was two when we took this photo," Mr. Yule replied, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Where is she now?" My breath hitched as unease crept in Was I wrong about the connection I thought I'd found?

For a moment, Mr. Yule just stared at the picture. My chest tightened. "Mr. Yule?" I prompted.

"She went missing," he finally said, his voice trembling. "She disappeared the same day this picture was taken."

My heart raced. "Missing? How? What happened?" My hand darted out, clutching his sleeve as if that could steady the whirlwind in my mind.

His eyes stayed glued to the photo. "It was supposed to be a happy day. After this photo, my parents had a keychain made from it-turned it into a necklace for her. We went to the amusement park to celebrate..." His voice faltered.

He swallowed hard. "Later that day, my mom took her to the restroom. While they were inside, my mom fainted. When she woke up... my sister was gone."

My stomach dropped. A cold realization swept over me. It's her. It has to be.

She had told me she was an orphan. And she always wore a necklace-a keychain with a tiny photograph inside it.

The thought of my mom, forced to grow up in an orphanage, made my chest ache. "Didn't you try to find her?" I asked, my voice trembling.

she'd turn up. Then they combed through the city, and after that, the whole country. But..." His voice dropped to barely a whisper. "My mom blamed herself. She spiraled

didn't finish, but the silence hung

couldn't let go. He kept searching. Every lead, every rumor, he

his words sinking in

an entire family. What should have been a life full of love and

you didn't keep looking?" I

anywhere we could think of. She even wanted to take it to one of those family reunion TV shows..." He trailed off, his voice catching. "But before she could,

be

continued bitterly, "I hated my sister for

words left me frozen,

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Chapter 670

moment, his anger melted into something softer. He looked at me, hesitant. "You... have you seen

chest tighten. His earlier words stung, but I couldn't blame him. He'd been

much.

had a photo just like this. She wore it on a round keychain

froze. His face paled, his lips trembled, and

quickly, stepping closer to steady

mother..." He could barely get the words

wasn't sure he could handle the truth. "Let's sit down first,"

alright?" he asked again, his