Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 718

"Demi, Demi..."

I bolted out of the car and grabbed her, calling her name in panic.

No response. I tilted her face toward me, hoping for some sign of recognition, but when I saw her clearly, my breath hitched.

Her face was unrecognizable-swollen, bruised, her eyes barely open. There were gashes on her cheeks, and her lips? So busted they didn't even look human.

I didn't need a detailed story. I knew.

Hayden was rights I was too late.

"I'm calling the cops," I said, my voice shaky as fury and heartbreak churned inside me.

"No, don't..." Her hand weakly gripped my arm.

I froze, staring at her. She managed the smallest smile, but it was broken, jagged, like it hurt her more than it comforted me.

"Why?" My voice cracked.

"Because... I need evidence," she whispered, her tone faint but steady.

just stood

she wasn't running anymore. Demi wasn't going to live as a victim, not when

say? I pulled her closer and murmured, "We're going to the

I got her in the car, then slid into the driver's seat, ready to peel out of there. But something caught my eye-a dark, wet stain where she'd been standing.

hand trembled

passenger seat, her eyes closed, her body limp like a doll someone

Monsters.

to women. But this? This was worse than any nightmare I'd let myself

sped to the hospital like my

Chapter 118

+25 BONUS

second I

back in the cold hallway outside

hours passed. Each one felt like

above the door flicked off, and Lena walked out.

with her expression, sent an icy chill spreading through my

asked, my voice

away. Instead, she nodded at a nurse behind her. The nurse stepped forward with

a hundred wounds," Lena continued, her