Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)
Hello 397

"No," Matthew insisted, shaking his head. "Don't let your thoughts run wild... I just think you should focus on your work, and your future with Hayden."

His voice grew weaker with every word. The nurse stepped forward, clearly ready to step in, but Matthew stopped her with just a look. She sighed and said, "One more minute, at most."

I knew how bad things were with him, and even though I needed to know what he was hiding, I couldn't push him now. His health had to come first. "We can talk later. You need to rest."

But Matthew gripped my hand, tighter than I expected. "Rea, promise me."

His desperation hit hard. The more he insisted, the more certain I became-there was something off about my parents' accident.

But I could see it in his eyes-he wasn't going to say anything more. It felt pointless to push him. With how fragile he was, I could only let it go, at least for now. "Alright, I.promise."

The tension in his face finally eased, but he still didn't let go of my hand. "Rea, look forward. Don't forget.

what I've said."

Funny, I'd said almost the same thing to Wade not too long ago.

But how could I just let the past go like that?

My parents' death... I had to find out the truth. How could I visit their graves knowing I didn't do everything

I could?

The nurse came over and adjusted his oxygen mask, and Matthew's breathing started to even out. He was so tired, his eyes kept fluttering shut, like he could barely stay awake.

The nurse wouldn't let him fall asleep yet, so I tried some small talk, but all I got were weak little grunts in

response.

Finally, visiting hours ended, and as the nurse gave Matthew the okay to rest, I slipped out of the room.

Wayne and Lindey were gone, leaving only Jace standing there, leaning against the wall, head down, staring at the floor like he was lost in thought.

I walked over, and only then did he slowly lift his head, his eyes meeting mine.

We'd come here together on a helicopter, but I hadn't really looked at him. Honestly, ever since everything. fell apart between us, I hadn't been this close to him at all.

Now, standing just a step away, I could see him clearly for the first time.

He looked worn out, defeated, and thinner than I remembered. For a second, it was like he was someone else someone I didn't even recognize. "How's my dad?" Jace asked, his voice rough.

"He's alright, sleeping now," I replied, then added pointedly, "Where's your mom?"

"Her blood pressure spiked, so Wayne took her to the rest area," Jace answered, his gaze drifting to my shoulder.

I followed his eyes and saw the damp spot on the gray jacket-his jacket-now stained with my tears.

Jace was always a neat freak, the kind of guy who'd take his clothes straight to the dry cleaner if anything touched them. I knew the stain was probably bugging him, so I quickly said, "I'll get it dry cleaned."

"No need," he said shortly, then gestured toward a nearby room. "I'll take you to my mom."

He stopped, turning just enough to look at me.

"I left my phone at the hotel," I said, feeling a wave of guilt. Hayden hadn't heard from me in hours, and I knew he'd be worried.

Jace's gaze darkened a bit. "He called already. I explained everything."

Instead of feeling relieved, a wave of unease hit me. After all, Jace was my ex, and I'd flown out here with him without even telling Hayden. I couldn't help but worry Hayden might be overthinking it.

I still wanted to explain things myself, so I asked, "Can I borrow your phone?"

Jace didn't respond right away, and the silence stretched uncomfortably. I took it as reluctance, which instantly irritated me.

"You dragged me out here in the middle of the night. My boyfriend's worried. I need to let him know I'm okay," I snapped, holding out my hand, fully expecting him to hand over his phone.

Instead, he swallowed hard, then walked toward me. For a second, I thought he was finally going to hand it over, but no-he leaned in, his body hovering way too close to mine.