Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 756

In the middle of the night, I started coughing deep, rough sound that wouldn't let up. Probably just a cold.

My respiratory system has always been weak, and whenever I catch something, it usually triggers coughing fits. Between the long day and the chilly mountain air, it was no surprise.

"Cough, cough..." I clutched my throat, the irritation making it feel like something was stuck there.

Even after drinking water, the coughing didn't stop. That's when I heard a knock at the door.

A knock in the dead of night can be unsettling, but being at the monastery, I felt oddly calm. Before I could ask who it was, a woman's voice called softly from the other side. "I'm from next door."

It had to be Mrs. Drago. She had a reputation for being deeply spiritual, and now she was standing outside my door.

I got up and opened it. "Good evening."

"I heard you coughing and thought you could use this," she said, holding out a small bottle of honey and herbal syrup. Her tone was gentle, her hair perfectly pinned back with a soft volume at the crown, and her smooth forehead gave her an air of grace and warmth. It was hard to reconcile this kind, serene woman with her infamous husband and criminal

son.

"Thank you," I said, accepting the syrup. "I'm sorry for disturbing your rest."

gratitude was genuine-her gesture felt sincere, and I hadn't expected this from someone tied

works. I'd been wondering how to approach her, and here she

in disguise. Guess those old sayings have some truth to them after

chill? It gets cold in the mountains, and young women like you often don't dress warmly enough," Mrs.

I didn't

an admission-it was strategy. Showing vulnerability would

age, I probably seemed like a kid.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 756

a compassionate nature. If she didn',

a blanket to keep warm," she offered, walking right into my

I said, keeping my tone humble and

the syrup in my hands.

said quickly, moving to pour some water. Then I added, "Would you like some

drink anything after nine at night," she replied, sharing a bit of her

skip my three meals a day. And sometimes, I need a late-night

almost immediate. "You young people don't know how

the syrup into the water and took a sip. The taste was sweet