Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 789

too busy... or don't want to, you don't have to," he said.

I got what he meant and gave him a small smile. "I'm not forcing myself."

His eyes softened, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw tears.

"Thank you," he said, his voice sincere.

I blinked, caught off guard. He was thanking me for making peace, for agreeing to see his parents. But there wasn't much else to say. I looped my arm through Lena's. "We need to see Grandpa Edison. Goodbye, Jace." "Goodbye," he murmured.

As soon as we were out of earshot, Lena turned to me, smirking. "You and your ex are getting pretty cozy these days. If Hayden doesn't show up soon, I wouldn't be shocked if you two rekindled things."

I shot her a look. "Do I seem that desperate? Like I can't survive without a guy?"

"I'm just saying," Lena said, shrugging. "You might get soft. Jace has a way of playing the emotional card."

She wasn't wrong. Lena had always been firmly Team Hayden.

"What I don't get," I said, "is why you're so harsh on Jace. Both he and Hayden betrayed me, right? Why do you hate him so much? Did he, like, curse your family or something?"

Lena pinched me hard, and I yelped. "Their betrayals weren't the same. Hayden faked it to protect you-it was all a front. Jace? He actually cheated with his friend's wife."

Her tone turned serious. "Rea, don't let your scars heal just to forget the pain."

I let out a bitter smile. "I won't."

FE

Chapter 789

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Chapter 789

a small smile. She loved

hall, where Lena's grandpa, Edison Ace, stood in a regal purple -and-gold

artwork I'd brought, his eyes lit up. "This

gesture, but it wasn't that remarkable. Lindey had gifted something similar earlier. Edison was just an

me lightly

small smile. She loved to tease, but I knew she had my

where Lena's grandpa, Edison Ace, stood in a regal purple -and-gold suit, happily accepting gifts like the family

the artwork I'd brought, his eyes lit up. "This is special-I like it a

was a nice gesture, but it wasn't that remarkable. Lindey had gifted something similar earlier. Edison was just an expert at making people feel good about themselves.

and answered smoothly, "Grandpa, I didn't invite him. I just wanted to

presence didn't exactly explain Nate's absence-but

Lena said quickly, clearly wanting to dodge any

tone casual but commanding. "But don't go too far. I'll

and I exchanged a

to cut the cake,

her lightly on the forehead. "You little rascal! I can

on what? Rekindling things with an old flame?" Lena quipped

the thought of her grandma

the head.

though he looked more amused than annoyed. "No, I want your help finding a wife for Aaron." Lena and I exchanged wide-eyed

unnatural. Some even speculate he might be into men." I had to bite back laughter, but Lena didn't bother trying: She

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Chapter 780

Grandpa, maybe they're right!"

betrayed him. He nodded toward a group of well-dressed