Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 899

Hayden's dedication to the courtyard was no less than hers.

On any other day, Keira would have been thrilled to follow his lead and share in the excitement. But today, she couldn't muster any enthusiasm. Her attention was fixed entirely on the temple gates.

Even as the sun rose higher into the sky, the gates remained shut, and the unease in her heart grew heavier.

When Abbot Levinsky was still here, he opened the gates every morning without fail. After Jace arrived, he took over the task and once told her that opening the temple gates each day was like opening the door to one's heart. But today... why hadn't he come?

Was he unwell?

The thought sent a ripple of panic through her. Unable to wait any longer, Keira stepped forward and knocked on the door. After what felt like an eternity, someone finally

answered-a lay disciple living at the monastery.

"Apologies," he said with a slight bow. "Master Gregory might have overslept today."

Gregory. That was Jace's monastic name.

Hayden and Keira both bowed their thanks and entered the monastery.

"Does he oversleep often?" Keira asked the disciple as we walked.

"Not in the past, but recently Master Gregory hasn't been feeling well, so he occasionally rises late," the disciple replied.

heart skipped a beat. Not feeling well? What's

Hayden supported her as they made their

knocked on the door, but

awake?" Keira called out,

us also called out, using his monastic name:

room remained

Keira felt a wave of

hand firm on her arm. Wait

Chapter 899

He stepped inside.

+25 BONUS

before. He stared at her, his lips pressed tightly together, saying

and into the room.

room, Keira saw Jace

scripture placed neatly beside him. In one hand, he held a piece

much of their school days, when he would fall asleep in bed with a book or test paper

desperate hope that he

for a moment of

long time to summon the courage to move. Finally, she reached out with trembling hands and took the

true birth or death in this world. My departure is merely an

way is my way of taking responsibility for myself and freeing my body

one's sins. I have

pain any longer, but because I do not want those who love me to be burdened with keeping me alive through the cold steel of surgical tools or the chill of