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

you won't," Lena said with a small smile. She loved to tease, but I knew she had my back when it

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

his eyes

that remarkable. Lindey had gifted something similar earlier.

nudged me

a small smile. She loved to tease, but I knew

Ace, stood in a regal purple

I'd brought, his eyes

wasn't that remarkable. Lindey had gifted something similar earlier. Edison

"Grandpa, I didn't invite him. I just wanted to come spend time

explain Nate's absence-but he

back to receiving gifts," Lena said quickly, clearly wanting to dodge any follow-up questions. "I'm going to grab something to eat

replied, his tone casual but commanding. "But don't go too

and I exchanged a

cut the cake, do

forehead. "You little rascal! I

with

the thought of her grandma overhearing and

the head.

more amused than annoyed. "No, I want your help finding a wife for Aaron."

and still hasn't had a girlfriend. Do you know what people are saying? They think he's unnatural. Some even

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Chapter 780

Grandpa, maybe they're right!"

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

you'll lose