Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 814

"Now that everyone's here, let's begin," Jace said, his voice flat.

He sounded detached, like he wasn't even part of the funeral, just some neutral bystander.

Even with Matthew's death, Jace handled the funeral plans like clockwork-calm, precise, unaffected. It was almost unsettling how serene he seemed, like nothing could touch him. anymore.

Wayne stayed silent, and Hayden stood off to the side, blending in like he was just another Johnston family member. But we all knew better.

Hayden had every reason to despise this family. The car crash that killed his dad? Matthew had orchestrated it.

Maybe he could let go of hating the living, but honoring the dead? No chance.

Seeing him so compliant next to Wayne was weird. It didn't sit right.

"Why's Hayden so... obedient? Did Wayne drug him or something?" Lena whispered, clearly on edge.

How would I know? I wasn't psychic.

"Maybe Wayne's blackmailing him," I said, the only thing that made any sense.

"That guy's a snake," Lena muttered, her jaw clenched.

reply. My eyes stayed locked on Hayden. Something about him felt... wrong.

Mom?" Wayne suddenly

when we realized-Lindey was missing. With the funeral about to start, where could

sent people to search, and I

door, a strange chill ran through me. My eyes landed on the

I hesitated, then

I saw her clearly,

lips stained faintly with

but / couldn't move, couldn't think. I just stood there,

1/2

+25 BONL

Chapter 814

creak of the door behind me snapped

"Mrs. Johnston..."

me, then Lindey, and gasped. "Rea, what-what happened

"What do

shook me back to reality. My voice came out shaky.

voice frantic. "Something's wrong! Mrs.

later, Jace and Wayne burst

side, holding her hand. Her skin