All Chapters of No More Regrets BOOK 1 of the Redemption Series: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

A Second ChanceAnonymous POV Sade adjusted her water bottle in one hand and her gym shoes in the other, closing her locker with a soft click. Turning to head to the gym, she froze. Marco was standing directly in front of her, so close she could see the flecks of brown in his dark eyes.She blinked twice, confused. “Hey…what’s up?”For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His gaze locked on hers, a mix of determination and nervousness in his expression. Then, without warning, Marco reached out, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her.It wasn’t like the kiss before winter break—it was deeper, more deliberate, filled with emotion that caught Sade completely off guard. Her gym shoes tumbled to the ground as her free hand shot up, grabbing his wrist in shock.When he finally pulled away, her wide eyes met his. The hallway felt impossibly quiet, except for the soft murmurs of a few scattered students nearby who had witnessed the scene.“What was that?” she demanded, her voice hushed bu

New Beginnings, Old ConnectionsSpring Junior YearThe halls of Whitney Young Magnet High School were as bustling as ever. Sade walked down the corridor, adjusting her sleek braids as her phone buzzed again. Her boyfriend, Travis, had sent her a text—another “good morning” message that always made her smile. High school had turned out to be everything she’d expected: social, busy, full of possibilities. She felt like she had it all—friends, a relationship, and her place on the dance team.She shot off a quick reply to Travis, then heard her phone vibrate again.Marco:“Don’t tell me you’re wearing that ugly blue jacket today. It’s not even cold out.”She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the grin that tugged at her lips. Marco. They hadn’t been close for months, not since they broke up after middle school. But he still found a way to keep in touch—teasing, joking, sending random memes. They weren’t close, but somehow, it still felt like they shared something from their past.Sade:“Mi

The summer of enlightenment between junior and senior year. Sade’s POV The night felt like it was meant for something—though I wasn’t exactly sure what. The sky was dark, but the summer heat still clung to the air, making it feel like the day hadn’t quite given up. The ride to my house was uneventful, except for the soft hum of the car’s engine and the quiet chatter between Marco and Tamara. It felt natural, like old times, even though things between Marco and me had changed in ways I hadn’t expected. The zoo had been busy tonight. Lincoln Park Zoo was hosting one of its late-night events, and I’d been assigned to work at the bear grotto. It was one of the more popular spots, with the visitors lining up for refreshments and snacks. Tamara, Marco, and I were working the evening shift. Dre didn’t work tonight, and Isla had the day off. The zoo had been packed with families enjoying the summer evening, and as the sun set, it felt like everything around us had slowed down, settling i

The Day AfterSade’s Point of ViewThe morning sunlight streamed through Sade's bedroom window, its warmth pulling her from sleep. She stirred, turning over, and froze when her eyes landed on the figure lying next to her. Her heart raced as the events of the previous night came rushing back. Sitting up abruptly, she stared in disbelief at Marco, who was propped up on one elbow, watching her with a satisfied smirk.“Finally, you’re up, sleepyhead. I’ve been watching you for an hour,” he said, his voice playful but tinged with seriousness.Sade’s hand flew to her face as panic set in. “What happened? Oh, my God.” Her voice cracked as she lay back down, clutching the blanket to her chest. “I can’t believe I cheated on Travis. Oh, my God.”Marco’s hand gently slid along her arm, his touch sending shivers through her. “Sade, this was bound to happen,” he said, his tone low and unwavering. “I can’t say it enough—since the moment I met you, I’ve wanted you. You’re mine.”Her breath hitched a

The player has been playedSade's POVSummer was flying by. Lincoln Park Zoo was a whole vibe this year, especially with Marco working there, too. It was easy, you know? Just walking around, chatting, doing the same routine every day. But underneath it all, she knew things were shifting, and not just with the animals. She was still technically with Travis, but she was spending more time with Marco, and something about the way he made her feel was different.Travis was off at basketball camp, doing his thing, living his life. It didn’t seem like he missed her much, though. He was busy. She was busy. They texted, FaceTimed when they could, but it wasn’t the same. That was the problem, wasn’t it?Sade would laugh, crack jokes with Marco, and even share moments that felt... real. Like they were on the same page.And yeah, that’s how it started—innocent, friendly. But now? It was different. Marco made her laugh in ways that Travis didn’t anymore, and when they started hanging out more outs