บททั้งหมดของ Love's Redemption: บทที่ 91 - บทที่ 100

I spent the whole evening at this little dive bar, from three in the afternoon until nine, just sipping away. I didn't go overboard, but I drank for hours, enough to feel that numb buzz where everything else faded away.The bar's owner, Mr. Seth, knew me well enough by now. I didn't have to worry about getting too wasted, even if I was on my own."When are you heading out? Is someone picking you up?" Mr. Seth asked. I never knew his first name—everyone just called him Mr. Seth.He looked like he was in his fifties. If my dad were still around, he'd probably be about the same age."I guess I should get going," I said, though honestly, the last thing I wanted was to leave.But I had work tomorrow. I needed to get home and at least pretend to sleep. Tonight's drinking was my way of saying a final goodbye to whatever I had left for Jace.I tried to steady myself as I stood up, but Mr. Seth stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "I'm not letting you leave like this. I'll have someo

This was a situation I definitely hadn't seen coming, and suddenly, everything snapped into focus.It was, honestly, super awkward—being stuck between two guys like this.I knew I had to do something to break the tension, and one thing was crystal clear: there was no way I was starting anything with Wayne.If I had to choose between them, it was gonna be Hayden.I'd almost married Jace; no way could I get involved with his brother after that breakup."Wayne, I'm tired," I said softly.Wayne held onto my hand for a moment longer before finally letting go.Hayden took my hand and started walking, and I didn't look back, but I could feel Wayne's eyes on me the whole time.Whether it was the alcohol or my jumbled thoughts, I wasn't sure, but I ended up tripping on the hotel stairs. The next thing I knew, I was in the air as Hayden scooped me into his arms."Put me down," I demanded, grabbing onto his shirt."If you want him to back off, just stay quiet and don't fight it," Hayden

As expected, Lindey was calling to ask me to come back to the Johnston residence for dinner.I knew the dinner invite was just a cover—she definitely had something else on her mind."I already had your gnocchi, but coming home right now isn't really an option," I said, trying to sound apologetic. "I'm working day and night to meet the deadline at the amusement park. I'll come home once I get a break."Lindey sighed dramatically. "Ugh, Jace is really something. Why's he pushing you so hard? It's not like the world's ending tomorrow. I'll give him a piece of my mind later.""It's not his fault, Lindey. This schedule was set ages ago," I explained.Business was business—Jace has never let our personal issues mess with work."Alright, alright, work's important," she said, though I could hear the disappointment in her voice before she hung up.But what can I do? I really am drowning in work. And even if I weren't, I can't just drop by the Johnston residence whenever I feel like it an

Lindey was taken aback, but then she softened into a warm, knowing smile."What are you saying? You can't just swear off men because of Jace. Yeah, there are some duds out there, but trust me, there's still plenty of good fish in the sea," Lindey said with her usual humor, still cracking jokes like she was half her age.Even in her fifties, she was as trendy and upbeat as ever.I couldn't help but smile too. "There are good men, but I'm just not in the right mindset for that right now. At least, not yet. I need some time."I said it to gently steer her away from whatever else she might be planning to suggest. Some things were better left unsaid—crossing that line could make things awkward real quick."Fair enough," she replied, letting me breathe a little easier.But then, she hit me with a curveball. "Just don't wait too long, Rea. Finding a good boyfriend is like anything else—the best ones get snapped up fast."I laughed, and so did Lindey."You're so beautiful, seriously. A

He was pissed, like he was ready to rip me apart, but I wasn't about to back down. I had a few things to say too. I let go of Hayden's hand, but before I could take a step, Hayden squeezed it tighter.I looked at him, and he stared right back, his eyes holding that same look he had back in Chiverton when Molly tried to make me fall. It was the look of someone who wasn't gonna let anything happen to me.But I didn't need saving. Not right now. I gently pulled my hand free and said, "Jace isn't gonna do anything to me."Hayden didn't stop me this time. I followed Jace as he stomped off, practically shaking with anger. Gavin tried to follow, but Jace threw a glare over his shoulder. "This isn't your business."Gavin froze, shooting me a worried look.Jace kept walking, not even bothering to see if I was behind him. I had no clue where he was taking me, so I called out, "Whatever you've got to say, just say it here."He didn't stop, but I did. "Let's talk here. I've got stuff to do,