Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 711

Xander kept that stone-cold poker face, and honestly? I was cover it. I grabbed my phone and started scrolling, pretending not to care

"You really pull guys in, huh?" he said out of nowhere.

I glanced up, raising a brow. "Obviously. I'm a total catch Everyone's obsessed with me "

I smirked. "What's the problem? Wade getting too much of my attention for your ling?

He sipped his water, cool as ever. "No."

Yeah, okay. Sure, Jan.

I was ready to roll my eyes and move on when he hit me with "You only love Hayden"

Yikes. Cue the most awkward silence ever.

I almost laughed. Like, really? The guy was walking around all smeg thinking I was still hooked on him?

Spoiler: not completely wrong. I mean, I still had the ring he gave me and this bracelet with

the dumb little bell charm.

The bell jingled softly when I flicked it, breaking the tension. "Yeah, you're right-I do love him," I said, voice light. "But let's be real, how sustainable is that? Loving someone you can't even touch? Kinda tragic, don't you think? I shot him a sly smile. "Maybe one day, I'll meet someone else. The world's full of distractions, right?"

"So your love

shot, they better

image of

Exhibit A of

stayed quiet, and I wasn't about

was all sunshine and sparkles, practically skipping into the room, while Wade looked like he was deep in his

the vibe flipped fast. At one point, she started

proposed to Keira! When are

"she said, grinning.

chill you'd think he'd already booked

deadline! I'm losing patience here," Yuna huffed before turning, her playful energy toward me. "Right, Keira?

was in on the joke, "Oh, I can wait. But if I do lose patience, and he's still dragging his

gasped dramatically. "Hayden, did you hear that? She's calling

her," Xander said, his eyes locking with mine. "But it's not happening. I

I stood, muttering something about needing the bathroom,

Yuna, Xander when it was just us-felt like a

railing, letting the cool air calm me down. Below, koi swirled lazily in the

I heard

you?"

everyone have something weighing on them?" I mumbled. "Even those fish probably have their own little problems." "Like what? Planning a jailbreak?" Wade joked, and I couldn't help it-a small smile slipped out. "Maybe," I said, voice soft. "Human

moment, it was just the sound of the fountain