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

of returning, her decision to get referred to DracoLux she wasn't running anymore. Demi wasn't going to live as a victim, not when she could

say? I pulled her closer and murmured,

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,

hand trembled

seat, her eyes closed, her body limp

Monsters.

did to women. But this?

sped to the

Chapter 118

+25 BONUS

second I hit the brakes, they got Demi on a

was back in the cold hallway outside the ER,

one felt like a

the light above the door flicked off, and Lena walked out. She

speak. The silence, combined with her expression, sent an icy chill spreading through my

is she?" I asked, my voice barely above

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

I stared at the tray, my mind refusing to process what I was seeing. "She has over a hundred wounds," Lena continued, her tone cold and sharp. "Her lower body is severely torn. Uterine rupture. Massive internal bleeding. A fractured cheekbone. And..." Lena hesitated, her voice dropping,