Semua Bab Love's Redemption: Bab 701 - Bab 710

I was completely caught off guard. Instinctively, I ducked my head, twisting to avoid him.But Wayne was stronger, and when he was this determined, there was no way I could break free."Rea, why is it okay for them, but not for me?" he rasped, his voice hoarse with anger and frustration. "I love you just as much as they do—maybe even more."I couldn't think clearly, let alone explain anything. All I wanted was to shove him away, to escape, but I didn't have the strength to fight him off.His lips brushed the top of my head, then slid to my cheek. When he nuzzled against my neck, I felt the weight pressing on my waist vanished as Wayne was shoved back."Mr. Johnston," Xander's voice cut through the tension. "Things between men and women should be consensual. Forcing them? Well, that kind of ruins all the fun, don't you think?"His tone was nothing like Hayden's. I didn't know how Xander had managed to transform himself so completely, but hearing his voice right then felt like a li

By the time Xander dropped me off at home, I'd already shut my eyes, pretending to be asleep.What else was I supposed to do?Let him, under a fake name, take me to bed for a night of passion? No way.I couldn't let myself give in. It would only fuel his arrogance, making him think that no matter what identity he hid behind, as long as he had that face, he could have me whenever he wanted."Still want me?" Xander's voice brushed against my ear as he carried me.There was something dangerously playful about him.I didn't answer. But when he set me down on the bed, I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him down with me.It had been too long. I'd been alone for too long. Tonight, I just wanted him to stay—even if nothing happened.He didn't push me away. Instead, in the stillness, I heard his low whisper. "I'm sorry. Just wait a little longer..."So, there it was—his reasons, spoken but still vague.Fine. I'd wait.I'd wait until the day he finally admitted it, until the word

That was a good question.Honestly, I wanted to hear him say it, too.Even though I knew he was Hayden, even though I was sure down to my core, I still longed for him to admit it out loud. Just one word from him would change everything.Xander glanced at me, his eyes locking onto mine for a beat before he replied to Cole. "I'm just myself. You should already have all the answers about my identity, shouldn't you?"Cole chuckled, twice. "Well, good luck with that."Then the line went dead.Xander went right back to his breakfast like nothing had happened. Meanwhile, I could barely touch mine."Why aren't you eating? It's going to get cold," he said casually, like the phone call hadn't just thrown a massive warning in his face."Cole was warning you," I said, my chest tightening. "He's trying to tell you you're in trouble."Xander didn't even blink. "I know.""And you're not scared?" I asked, anxiety creeping up my spine in his place.He picked up a napkin, folding it neatly. "

I got what Xander meant—if I wanted to see Demi, tonight was my chance.When we reached the preschool, Yuna was outside, leading games with the kids. The scene was pure magic—laughter, joy, no stress, just living in the moment. Honestly, preschool might be the happiest time in life.Xander and I stayed back, watching quietly. But kids being kids, their curiosity soon turned to us—especially Xander. One cheeky kid called out to Yuna, "Miss Hart, is that your new boyfriend?"Leave it to kids to say whatever's on their minds.Yuna laughed, shaking her head. "He's not my boyfriend. He's my brother."The kid didn't buy it, rallying the others to chant, "Boyfriend! Boyfriend!"Yuna sighed, trying to laugh it off as Xander and I stepped forward with the gifts we brought. That shut them up—mostly. One bold kid still grinned and said, "Thanks, boyfriend!""These little brats are too much," Yuna joked, walking over to us, her smile lighting up her face.Then her gaze landed on Xander. My

They say fixing relationships is better than breaking them, but here I was, playing the villain.I'd had the same conversation with Wade so many times I'd lost count. If he couldn't figure out his feelings for Yuna by now, it was clear—he didn't love her.Dragging this out would only hurt her more. It was better to push him to let her go."What are you saying? That I should leave Yuna?" Wade asked, confusion written all over his face.I paused, choosing my words carefully. "That's exactly what I'm saying. Step back, give yourself space. Then you'll know who you miss and who you actually love."Wade's eyes drifted to Yuna, standing not far away. "She... relies on me a lot. If I don't message her, or if I text her less, she overthinks things."Exactly. A girl in love doesn't just want attention—she craves being part of someone's life completely."And that's why you have to do this," I said bluntly.Wade lowered his head, silent. I leaned in. "So, what is it? Are you unwilling to