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Chapter 26
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Love's Redemption Chapter 27
Lena read my thoughts. "Where do you want to go? I'll come with you, or—""Help me pack up my place," I cut her off.She looked surprised. "You've been planning this?""Not really. It just sort of happened a couple of days ago," I said, gesturing toward the bed linens at the backseat."Yesterday, I was at the mall picking these up when I ran into Tanya," I added, observing Lena's expression shift from surprise to curiosity.On the way to my place, I told Lena everything. She nodded emphatically, her frustration evident. "Skipping out on that marriage certificate was the right call. Jace Johnston is just another jerk of this century who thinks he can have it all.""Jerk is jerk, no matter the century," I quipped in response.Lena looked at me closely. "Rea, you don't have to pretend you're okay.""I'm really not that upset," I replied, keeping my eyes on the road ahead. "Maybe my feelings for him were just as worn out as his for me—like we knew each other too well to spark any e
Love's Redemption Chapter 28
It took me four hours on the high-speed train to reach Chiverton.As I arrived, the town was just lighting up. It wasn't as bustling as Seavora, but it had its own charm with twinkling lights and a cozy, small-town vibe.Lena called almost as soon as I arrived. "Are you there yet? Found a place to stay?"She hadn't expected me to leave so suddenly. When she asked where I was headed, I gave her the address and train time. She wondered if I was leaving so fast to avoid Jace, thinking he might try to stop me.But she was wrong. Jace wouldn't bother. He's probably furious, mad that I stood him up and disobeyed him.So far, I seemed to be right. After he asked why I didn't show up for the marriage registration, he hadn't sent a single message or made another call.I hurried here because I'd always wanted to visit. Another reason was to avoid getting tangled up—not with Jace, but with Matthew and Lindey. They'd definitely try to reach me and change my mind.But I'd already made up my
Love's Redemption Chapter 29
The driver looked rough and tough, a bit intimidating.The guys I was used to were always clean-cut, with fair skin, dressed in suits, ties, and overcoats.But this guy? He looked like he might've just gotten out of prison.I instinctively tightened my grip on my bag, remembering the pepper spray and self-defense knife Lena had slipped inside before I left.But before I could even think about reaching for them, the driver had already started the car and stayed silent.'What was that look he gave me supposed to mean?' I wondered.I couldn't figure it out, and my brief moment of calm was suddenly replaced by unease.Because I was on high alert, I didn't pay much attention to the townscape. When the car finally stopped, I quickly paid and got out, watching the taxi drive away before letting out a sigh of relief.It was already ten at night, and I realized coming here at this hour might not have been the smartest move.I could have waited until the next day to search for my parent
Love's Redemption Chapter 30
"Hey Cutie Pie."The voice on the other end was husky and familiar, yet distant.A familiar face popped into my mind, and I blurted out, "Wayne!"I had hoped that changing my number would keep me off the Johnston family's radar, but I never expected Wayne to find this number and actually call me."Looks like you kept my number and didn't forget about me," Wayne's voice had that teasing edge.He was only two years older than Jace. Before he left for abroad, he used to look out for me a lot and loved calling me Cutie Pie.For a moment, I had no idea how to respond. His words sounded almost like he was complaining.In the first couple of years after he left, I'd sometimes reach out, just to see how he was doing. But eventually, we lost touch.Wayne was never the type to keep in contact. He barely talked to his family, so it was no surprise he didn't stay in touch with me.Now, out of the blue, he was calling me. I knew it had to be about my canceled wedding with Jace.Even if Wa
Love's Redemption Chapter 31
I hadn't really thought about any of this until Wayne's words brought those memories flooding back, like an old movie reel playing in my head."What did he do? Can you tell me?" Wayne asked softly when I didn't say anything.If I didn't explain, they'd be confused. Jace would think I was just being dramatic, and when I got back, Matthew and Lindey would totally grill me about it too.The easiest thing was to spill it now, so I wouldn't have to deal with all the questions later."He cheated on me," I said, making Wayne go silent on the other end.Knowing he wouldn't believe it, I added, "It was his close friend's wife. Even your parents know about their affair."Wayne didn't say anything.I smiled. "You know it's true, don't you?"No secret stayed hidden forever. Jace and I didn't even get our marriage certificate. Matthew and Lindey would definitely ask questions and find out, and Wayne would ask Matthew."That's impossible. Jace loved you so much. Maybe there's some misunders
Love's Redemption Chapter 32
"Hayden, this is the girl I mentioned who wants to switch rooms. Can you two discuss it?"Macy's voice cut through the staring contest between Hayden and me.I stepped forward. "Hi, I'm Keira Kay. Would you mind switching rooms with me?""Hayden Hart, and no." He dismissed me as fast as he'd washed his hair earlier.My lips twitched in irritation, my stubborn side kicking in. "Why not?"Hayden glanced at me but didn't answer. He just slung an army-green towel over his shoulder and walked past me, sending a chill through me.Macy came over. "Hey, Keira. Don't be upset. Hayden isn't good at sweet-talking girls. I'll talk to him later."My temper flared, and I raised my voice on purpose. "No need. It's just a room. Whoever wants it can have it."Macy pulled me aside. "Don't be so harsh. He's an ex-soldier. If you push him too far, he might carry you out and toss you outside."I couldn't help but laugh at myself. How could I mistake an ex-soldier for a freshly released inmate?"I
Love's Redemption Chapter 33
But lying on that hard bed, my mind was a chaotic mess, with no trace of sleepiness.Eventually, I picked up my phone and opened my messaging app. There were messages from Demi and Gavin.Demi: [Keira, today was insanely busy, but I finished all the tasks you assigned. Remember to give me some dragées as a reward tomorrow. Congrats on your wedding, and may you be happy forever.]I smirked at the message and didn't respond.Gavin: [Ms. Kay, please don't take this the wrong way about Mr. Johnston. It's super important you guys don't have any issues, or it'll all be my fault.]I didn't bother replying. Instead, I opened my social media, found a selfie of my shadow at an amusement park, and posted it with the caption: [Happy vacation!]Afterwards, I purged my profile of anything related to Jace—a classic move after a breakup.Since we weren't a thing anymore, it was best to clear out anything about us to avoid any bitterness and self-pity. By the time I finished, it was 3 a.m., my e
Love's Redemption Chapter 34
I didn't expect Macy to play matchmaker for me. Hayden's cold, indifferent face flashed in my mind.Recalling his direct and emotionless refusal to switch rooms, a playful mood overtook me, and I responded with a quick, "Sure."I agreed, but it was just a casual remark; I didn't take it seriously.After breakfast, I borrowed a bicycle from Macy and spent the day riding around Chiverton.When I returned to the rented house, it was already evening, and I had a sketchbook in addition to what I had left with in the morning.I loved drawing. Before my parents passed away, they had enrolled me in dance classes, drawing classes, and even harp lessons. These all ended when they were gone, but drawing continued because it was simple: all I needed was a pen and paper.Today, besides exploring, I completed a drawing of the current Chiverton. My parents had always wanted to come back and see the place, but since they couldn't, I'd paint it and burn it as an offering to them."Keira, why are
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Love's Redemption Chapter 973
Keira stared at the messages Lena had just sent her. She could sense something was up, so she immediately called her, but Lena declined the call. Instead, she replied with another message: [I’m at my grandparents’ house, and my mother is here too.] Keira had no choice but to keep texting her: [Did Aaron upset you today?] Lena sent Keira a string of ellipses. That endless row of dots made her even more curious. [What happened exactly?] Keira pressed. Lena replied: [He brought his girlfriend home today.] After sending that message, she also sent Keira a screenshot of a payment receipt and added: [Spot the highlight.] Keira zoomed in on the image and finally noticed the note: Name Change Fee. [Wow, how generous! 600,000 dollars just for a name change fee. What did you call her to make it worth that much?] Keira was shocked. Lena then sent Keira a voice message, explaining the situation in detail. At the end, she added: [He used to tell me how long he’d liked me, but now he’s
Love's Redemption Chapter 972
"Aaron, I want to add Lena on WhatsApp." Xandra actually asked Aaron, gently tugging on his sleeve with a delicate and endearing expression that made her look pitifully lovable. Aaron glanced at her, his gaze filled with a warmth Lena was all too familiar with. Once upon a time, he had looked at her the same way. Now, he could look at other women like that. So, never believe a man when he says things like, I've liked you for years. "If you want to add her, then add her," Aaron's approval made Xandra look at him with delight. Lena, however, truly didn’t want to add her. She and Xandra weren’t close, and they likely wouldn’t ever be. Lena didn’t enjoy socializing with strangers, so she smiled faintly. "Aren’t you afraid I might tell her something about you, Uncle Aaron?" Aaron’s gaze turned cold and distant, his voice calm. "There’s nothing about me that Xandy can’t know." Ha! Lena sneered inwardly. If that were the case, why had he just warned her earlier? Double stand
Love's Redemption Chapter 971
Under the table, Lena felt her mother's foot nudge her—a clear signal: Let Xandra win. Lena gritted her teeth. Why was everyone fawning over a girlfriend who hadn’t even officially joined the family? Annoyed, she huffed inwardly. The more you tell me to lose, the harder I’ll fight to win. The game began, and Lena’s starting hand was exceptional—practically a heavenly draw. She was only one card away from winning while the others still struggled with mismatched cards. It seemed like an easy victory was in the cards for her. But then, as if under a spell, her luck took a sharp turn. None of the cards she needed showed up. Worse, every time she reached for a card, Xandra would intercept it with a call, blocking her progress entirely. As the rounds continued, even her mother, Briana, reached a ready hand, while Lena was still stuck with the same cards she started with. Soon, her grandmother joined the fray, and eventually, even Xandra declared readiness. Three players were now
Love's Redemption Chapter 970
Lena’s heart fluttered in panic. Why was he standing here? Had he overheard what she’d said earlier? There was no use regretting it now. She could only pretend he hadn’t heard anything and called out, trying to sound natural, “Uncle!” She had just given herself a pep talk in the bathroom, but seeing him standing so close now, her heartbeat still faltered. Aaron’s deep, starry eyes fixed on her. “Xandy is very simple and innocent. She doesn’t take well to certain things. I trust you understand what I mean?” Lena’s chaotic heartbeats suddenly settled. So this was why he had waited for her—to make sure she wouldn’t tell Xandra about his past feelings for her. A strange, sharp pain twisted in her chest, so intense it stole her breath for a moment. Clenching her fist by her side, she pinched herself hard to suppress the ache and avoid showing any emotion. “What ‘certain things’ are you referring to, Uncle? I don’t believe there’s anything you’ve shared with me that’s worth m
Love's Redemption Chapter 969
“Come here,” Deborah called, motioning for Lena to approach. She introduced her to Xandra with a cheerful smile. “The two of you may be the same age, but from now on, you must properly call her your aunt. Understand?” Xandra’s face flushed red. “There’s no need for that. Just call me Xandy.” Nervously, she tugged at Aaron’s sleeve. He glanced at her before responding calmly, “Our family values etiquette. Generational hierarchy matters.” Etiquette? Wasn’t this just a ploy to make her call Xandra “Aunt”? Was he in such a rush to give her a title to avoid any misunderstandings? Whether it was to clarify things for Xandra or to distance himself from her, Lena couldn’t help but feel a petty frustration bubbling up. Fine. If Aaron wanted her to say it, she would. “Aunt Xandra,” Lena said, her tone neutral but deliberate. Xandra’s face turned even redder. “No, really, you can just call me Xandy.” “I should call you that, and it’s not for free. As my elder, you owe me a red e
Love's Redemption Chapter 968
“Mr. Ace, why the sudden preference for plain water?” Elaine asked as she poured a glass. “It’s not for me. It’s for Xandy,” Aaron replied, his eyes flicking toward Lena, who kept her head down, still rinsing the same tomato. Elaine chuckled. “Your girlfriend is very pretty. She seems like a sweet and kind young lady. I bet your parents can finally relax now.” “Mm, everyone can be at ease,” Aaron replied, his tone carrying a subtle undertone. Lena didn’t lift her head, but she heard the implication clearly. “Not just at ease—happy too,” Elaine said as she handed him the glass of water. Taking it, Aaron thanked her. “Thank you, Elaine.” Then he left the kitchen. Elaine watched him go, sighing wistfully. “His parents have been waiting for this day for so long.” Turning back, she noticed Lena was still rinsing the same tomato—again. Elaine reached over and turned off the faucet. “Miss Lena, if you keep washing that tomato, it’s going to lose all its skin,” she teased.
Love's Redemption Chapter 967
"Do I need to change my shoes?" A gentle female voice came from the doorway. Lena thought she must be hearing things. She snapped her head up, and her eyes landed on a tall girl in casual attire standing by the entrance. Next to her was Aaron, dressed in a dark coat. They hadn’t looked into the house yet, as the entryway was positioned just out of sight from the main living area. However, from her spot on the sofa, Lena had a clear view of them. “No won't be necessary. My parents don’t wear slippers at home,” Aaron explained patiently. Lena felt as if she were frozen in place, her mind going blank as she stared at the two of them. Hearing the commotion, Briana walked out from the kitchen, and she, too, stopped in her tracks. It was rare—unheard of, even—for Aaron to bring a girl home. The implications were obvious. “Sister,” Aaron greeted Briana first, then introduced the girl beside him. “This is my friend.” Briana nodded quickly, her surprise evident. “Hello!” The g
Love's Redemption Chapter 966
The weekend had arrived, coinciding with the end of the year. The timing couldn’t have been more fitting—or more ominous. At the hospital, Lena’s colleagues were busy making plans for New Year’s Eve celebrations, but she sat at her desk, preoccupied with how to get through the weekend. Tomorrow, Aaron was going to formally announce his decision to sever ties with the Ace family. Even though she had tried to comfort her grandparents and they seemed to accept it, she feared the actual impact would be far greater than any preparation could soften. “Dr. Lane, any plans for tomorrow? Join us!” someone invited her. Lena snapped out of her thoughts. “No, I’ll be at home with my grandparents.” She’d even be taking an emergency kit, just in case her grandparents couldn’t handle the shock. Her mother, Briana, had been equally anxious, sending multiple reminders throughout the day to ensure Lena would go to the Ace house right after work. The last time she visited, she’d managed to
Love's Redemption Chapter 965
Aaron’s voice carried through the phone, reaching Lena’s ears. Her eyes lit up—if he wasn’t home tonight, she could visit her grandparents without worry. - By evening, Lena arrived at the Ace residence, carrying a bag of nutritional supplements and her grandparents’ favorite desserts. The well-maintained courtyard had been recently equipped with solar-powered lights, casting a warm glow across the space and brightening every corner. She first glanced into the yard, ensuring that Aaron’s car wasn’t there, before pushing the gate open. “Grandpa, Grandma, I’m here!” Lena called as she stepped inside. The lonely old couple looked up at the sound of her voice. Even the housekeeper, who had been cooking in the kitchen, peeked out to greet her warmly. “Is that Lena? Come in, come in!” the housekeeper, Elaine, said cheerfully. “Elaine, you’re busy. Just make an extra serving for me at dinner,” Lena teased without a hint of shyness. Her grandparents, still in disbelief, confirme
