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.

a beat. Not feeling well? What's

supported her

door, but there was no

Keira called out, her voice trembling

us also called out,

room

felt a wave of

on her arm. Wait

Chapter 899

He stepped inside.

+25 BONUS

he returned, his face pale and strained in a way Keira had never seen before. He stared at her, his lips pressed tightly together, saying nothing.

and into the room.

in the stillness of the meditation room, Keira saw Jace

dressed in a simple green robe, a scripture placed neatly beside him. In one hand, he held

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

hope

for a moment

a long time to summon the courage to move. Finally, she reached out with trembling hands and took the paper from his grasp. The words written on it pierced

there is no true birth or death in this world. My departure is merely an early return to be with all of you

responsibility for myself and freeing my body from the torment of

sins. I have borne this pain as long as I could, knowing

endure the 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 intravenous medicines. For me, that would be a torment far greater than the