Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter

782

Lena felt weighed down after hearing about Kefra's uncle and aunt. It wasn't guilt it was the unsettling idea of two people who couldn't share life but chose to share death that stuck with her.

People had been romanticizing dying for love since Romeo and Juliet, but Lena didn't buy it. To her, real love wasn't about leaving the world together, it was about staying in it, growing old side by side. When she'd never been in love, it seemed so simple: love was enough. But now she knew better. Finding a love that could survive life's curveballs was hard. Finding one that lasted into old age? Almost impossible. By the time Nate got home, it was late. Lena sat on the balcony, lost in her thoughts.

"Why are you still up? I told you not to wait," Nate said, wrapping his arms around her from behind and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Are you exhausted?" she asked.

He hummed in reply, too tired to say much.

Lena could feel the weight of his exhaustion, like he might fall asleep right there. She reached up, touching his face gently, her chest tightening. "You can't keep doing this, Nate. Have you ever thought about easing up? He was quiet for a moment, then said, "Not yet. Maybe in a few more years."

Lena gave him a faint smile-one that felt more bitter than sweet.

you're so successful," she teased lightly, though her tone had a hint of something

face in

her lips together, holding back the words she wanted to say. What was the point when he was like this? Instead, she sighed. "You're exhausted. Just go to sleep." "Okay," he

exhaustion too well-the kind that made even breathing

to accept how distant he'd been or how often he wasn't

head against his, she whispered,

exhaled deeply, summoning just enough strength to scoop her into his arms. His

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Chapter 782

as he carried her

watched him silently, her heart heavy. The ache she felt for him was so deep, it

a shower tonight?" His voice

couldn't bring

smile. "You're

His eyes shut almost instantly, but Lena stayed awake, watching the handsome features of his face as he drifted off. "Your flight's in the afternoon, right?" she whispered. "Yeah,"