Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

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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.

teased lightly, though her tone had a hint of something

buried his face in

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

breathing feel like work. She got it. She understood Nate, probably better than

been

her head against his, she whispered, "Come on, let's

deeply, summoning just enough strength to scoop her into his

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Chapter 782

unsteady, as he carried her

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

His voice was barely audible, and

couldn't bring herself to push.

managed a faint smile. "You're

his face as he drifted off. "Your flight's in the