Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 923

"Because this love didn't give me the happiness I imagined," Lena explained with a faint smile. "It's like going to the supermarket, picking out a snack you're excited about, and then finding out it doesn't suit your taste. After that, you just don't like it anymore and won't

bother with it again."

Her metaphor was strikingly apt.

"And what does the happiness you imagine look like?" Aaron asked, as though playing the role of a persistent interviewer.

Lena, softened by the alcohol, answered obediently, "I don't know. But whatever it is, Nate didn't give it to me."

Aaron observed the peaceful resignation in her expression and pressed further. "Do you still believe in love? Do you still want to start a new relationship?"

"Of course," Lena said, finally lifting her gaze to meet his. Her eyebrows arched into a cheerful expression. "I'm not the kind of person who gets scared off by a bad experience. If I meet someone who makes my heart race again, I'll love them boldly and passionately." As she spoke, she raised her hand from the shoe cabinet, intending to make a welcoming gesture toward her imagined happiness. But the alcohol muddled her balance, and she stumbled forward.

Aaron instinctively reached out to steady her. His injured arm limited his movement, so he could only brace her gently. She ended up collapsing against his chest.

"Uncle, I feel so dizzy," she murmured, her breath brushing against his chest through the thin fabric of his loungewear, seeping into his very core.

Aaron froze, his entire body going stiff. Fighting to maintain control, he said softly, "You're drunk. Let me take you to your room to sleep."

was clear. "Earlier, you

walking, turning her full attention to

him, soft and pliant. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.

blinked, her eyes wide with

silly. She's obviously smart, but when

"That sounds awful. Why do you like her, then? She doesn't deserve

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Chapter 923

quietly. "What should I do

and be with her. Maybe after spending some time together, you'll realize you're

admitted, his gaze softening as he looked at

write her a love letter, and I'll deliver it for you-just like when girls used to ask me to give you their love letters in school." Aaron chuckled lightly. "You have the nerve to bring that up? How many of those letters did

"So you knew all along,

he had known. And he had allowed it because even if she had delivered them, he wouldn't

Lena," he asked softly, "can you tell me why

a moment. "Because I didn't want them to like you, and I definitely didn't want you dating

didn't

hesitated, searching for the words. "Because I was afraid if you started dating, you wouldn't care about

heart trembled. "You were afraid I wouldn't care