Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 835

Tanya walked right into the trap. She'd been so desperate for the spotlight that she didn't even see it coming.

"Does this mean the police have everything they need? Will Hayden and the others be back soon?" I asked, steering the conversation back to what actually mattered. "Yeah, it won't be long now. Aaron's handling the last bit of cleanup," Jace replied.

As he spoke, I studied him more closely. He looked thinner-his already sharp features now even more defined.

I wasn't surprised. His parents were gone, his brother was on the run, and he'd been helping me juggle crisis after crisis. It was a lot for anyone to bear.

"You've been through so much lately," I said softly, my gratitude clear.

"This is my responsibility. Wayne caused this, so it's on me."

The calm, heavy way he said it struck me. Wayne always acted like he was Jace's equal- better, even-but in this moment, Jace's integrity made their differences painfully obvious.

"Rea," Jace said, his voice pulling me from my thoughts. "Today's the thirty-fifth day since my parents passed. Will you come with me to visit them?"

My mom once told me that the Kehlmarkan tradition was to believe that souls linger for a while after death, finally leaving on the thirty-fifth day.

""Of course," I said without hesitation.

***

The cemetery was quiet.

Lindey and Matthew's gravestone had their photo etched on it, their names carved beneath. Their love story hadn't been epic or fairy-tale perfect, but now they lay side by side-united in death.

Matthew, if you see my parents down there, let them

the words left my lips, I realized it was true I

237. 237.

said, his voice full of gratitude. "Thank

brought me here with

and smiled. "I never really

They'd shared that path with me,

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+25 BONUS

be at peace knowing that," Jace

tone quiet. "Rea, will

you

"That way, they won't be

him, walking beside

asked, his tone

have this... clarity now. Like you've let go of everything that used to hold you back," I said, finally putting my finger on what had felt different about him. He smiled faintly but didn't deny

was like he'd peeled back the layers of the world, seeing it for what it

detached and calm.

return, losing his parents, and all the chaos that followed-it

there's no greater sorrow than a heart that's gone numb.

***

I headed home. As I approached my building, I noticed a pregnant woman holding the

cheeks, fair skin, and two

help