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

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

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

eyes lit

gifted something similar earlier. Edison was just an expert at making people feel good about themselves. "Lena, where's Nate? Why didn't he come?"

nudged me

said with a small smile. She loved to tease,

Lena's grandpa, Edison Ace, stood in a regal purple -and-gold suit, happily

his eyes

little embarrassed. Sure, it was a nice gesture, but it wasn't that remarkable. Lindey had gifted something similar earlier. Edison was just an expert

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

fooled-my presence didn't exactly explain Nate's absence-but he let it slide, chuckling

said quickly, clearly wanting to dodge any follow-up

don't

I

the cake, do

lightly on the forehead. "You little rascal! I

Rekindling things with an old flame?" Lena quipped

didn't even flinch at the thought of her grandma

the head.

annoyed. "No, I want your help

people are saying? They think he's unnatural. Some even speculate he might be into men." I had to bite back laughter, but

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Chapter 780

Grandpa, maybe they're right!"

a group of well-dressed women mingling nearby. "You two, go check them

lose your chance," I teased, nudging