Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 856

"Keira, what are you doing here?"

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Demi looked stunned to see me, but there was a flicker of excitement in her expression.

Her hair was cropped short, and the prison uniform she wore was a stark contrast to the vibrant girl I used to know. But her eyes-bright and determined-were different. Stronger. Seeing her like this stirred a strange mix of relief and sadness in me. She had avenged herself, yes, but at a cost so high it could never be undone.

"I came to see you. What, am I not welcome?" I teased lightly, trying to keep the mood up.

"Yeah, and what are you even doing here? This isn't good for the baby," she said, catching me off guard.

She knew?

"It's fine. My baby will be proud to have such a brave friend," I said softly. Then, after a pause, "I've spoken to a lawyer. I'm going to fight for the lightest sentence I can get you."

Demi shook her head. "Keira, it's okay. I'm doing fine here. In here, everyone's equal-no ranks, no games. It's not like the outside world, where people are divided into winners and losers.'

calm acceptance surprised me. I'd worried she'd spiral, but she seemed to be holding

and you'll always be the best Demi to me." She wasn't fighting because she thought her old life was gone forever. But with me? She didn't have to worry about being judged. Demi froze, her eyes glistening. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't

strong," I said, my voice steady. "I'll

I

seemed to rip the people loved away from me-some left for good, and others were dragged

matter how cursed I felt, I wasn't giving up. I would

resolve clear. "Alright.

the Demi I know," I

Chapter 856

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hesitation creeping in. "Keira, have you seen

pain-was here too. She'd sent word asking to

Why?" I asked, knowing Demi wouldn't bring her

you meet her?" Demi's request caught me

you want me to

moment. "There's a girl.