Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)
Hello 421

+25 BONL

I had Steve check it out instead of just waiting for Hayden's conclusion. I mean, it was his dad driving that day, and I couldn't shake the feeling he might lie to protect him.

Now, though? Yeah, I was totally overthinking it.

"You're thinking the brakes failed that day, huh?" Hayden asked.

We w

were officially together now, so no more dodging the truth. "Yeah. I need a real answer, though. Like, no guessing."

Hayden went quiet for a second, then asked, all soft, "Rea, if-and I'm just saying if-the brake thing had something to do with my dad, would you... would you leave me?"

The words hit like a punch in the gut, tightening my throat like someone was choking me. I knew why he asked, but honestly? I hadn't thought about it. It was too scary to even go there.

"Hayden, I really don't know."

There was a part of me that believed-even if the accident was tied to his dad-that Hayden wasn't his dad. I couldn't blame him for something his dad might've done. But just because I could think that way didn't mean I actually could do it.

I shifted in his arms, trying to get comfortable. "If it's true... what would you do? Would you feel guilty and, like, push me away?"

More silence. I figured he didn't know either.

Then he finally whispered, "All I know is, I can't lose you."

His words about me leaving, and then him saying he couldn't stand the thought, sent a wave of emotion through me so strong I couldn't even breathe.

"It won't happen," I whispered, more to myself than him “The universe can't be that cruel to us."

Hayden didn't say anything, just started kissing me. Soft at first, then deeper, like he was trying to erase all the worries in my head.

That night, Hayden's touch felt different-deeper, more intense. It was like he couldn't get close enough.

I drifted off in his arms, but in my dreams, I was back at the scene of my parents' accident. The wrecked car, smoke everywhere, my parents' crushed bodies....

"Kiki..."

"Kiki."

They reached out for me, calling my name, but no matter how hard I ran, something kept holding me back, locking me in place.

I woke up with a start, Hayden shaking me gently. His face was full of concern.

"You were having a nightmare," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

“I... I dreamt about my parents. They were trapped in the car," I murmured.

25

S BONUS

Hayden didn't say anything. He just held me tighter.

We stayed like that, the room so quiet I could hear our heartbeats. Then, suddenly, voices broke the silence-an argument from somewhere in the building.

"Yeah, I'm the one with bad intentions, but you took the bait, Jace!" a woman's voice screamed, full of anger and hurt. "If you were such a good guy, you never would've fallen for it!"

I knew it was Tanya. Jace had to be with her.

Honestly? I wasn't interested in the drama. I buried my face in Hayden's chest. "I'm starving."

He smiled softly. I'll make you something."

"No, I want street food. Let's hit up one of those late-night spots."

“Alright,” he said, laughing under his breath. "But wear something warmer, okay? It's cold out."

He handed me my clothes, and soon enough, we were sneaking out of the apartment like it was some kind of late-night adventure.

We grabbed some tacos from a food truck, and by the time we got back, it was almost dawn. I figured Jace would've left by now.

But nope-right as we stepped into the elevator, there he was, walking out.