All Chapters of No More Regrets BOOK 1 of the Redemption Series: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Third-Person POVThe prom venue was breathtaking—a grand ballroom on the top floor of a luxury hotel downtown, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a glittering view of the Chicago skyline. The students danced under a cascade of twinkling chandeliers, the music pulsing through the room as laughter and excitement filled the air.Sade and Marco swayed together on the dance floor, lost in their own world. Star, as always, was working the room, snapping selfies and stealing the spotlight in her silver dress. She waved over Sade with a mischievous grin.“Come on, let’s sneak off for a minute!” Star said, grabbing Sade’s hand and dragging her toward the restrooms. Rachel, Travis’s girlfriend, trailed behind, her heels clicking on the polished marble floors.Inside the ladies’ room, the trio leaned against the sinks, touching up their makeup and laughing about the night.Star glanced at her reflection and smirked. “Next week, my prom. I’m wearing a red dress. It’s gonna be fire, I swear.

Anonymous POV The buzz of excitement filled the air outside Malcolm X College, where a sea of students in various colored caps and gowns gathered in clusters, laughing, chatting, and adjusting their honor cords. The Chicago sun was warm but not unbearable, casting a golden glow over the momentous day.Sade stood near the entrance, adjusting her cap in the reflection of her phone screen. The navy-blue gown of her school fluttered slightly in the wind, and she made sure her National Honor Society cords were draped perfectly over her shoulders. Today wasn’t just a day to celebrate; it was the final chapter of their high school years before life took them all in different directions.Nearby, Isla tightened the sash on her own gown, her sunglasses perched on top of her head. Though she smiled and laughed along with the group, Sade could tell—there was a sadness lingering beneath her usual spark. Today was one of those days when the absence of her mom felt overwhelming.Sade took a deep br

Anonymous POV The air inside St. Sabina Catholic Church was thick with sorrow. The stained glass windows cast colorful rays onto the pews, but no light could soften the grief that hung over the congregation. The funeral service for Travis Matthew Santiago was a devastating affair.Sade sat in the front row, her body trembling as she clutched a tissue in one hand and Marco’s hand in the other. Her sobs were uncontrollable, her shoulders shaking as she buried her face into her husband's chest. Their four children sat beside them, confused and quiet, sensing the weight of the moment even if they didn’t fully understand it.Marco… he was beside himself. His usual calm and collected demeanor had shattered, and he sat hunched forward, elbows on his knees, hands clasped tightly together. His eyes were bloodshot, his jaw clenched, but every so often, he wiped at his face, unable to stop the tears from falling.Isla and Shane sat nearby, their hands intertwined, their faces streaked with tear

Anonymous POV It had been an incredible night so far. The trick-or-treating was a blast, with everyone enjoying the cozy, familiar feel of their close-knit neighborhood. The kids were running around with bags full of candy, their laughter filling the air as the adults chatted, reminisced, and shared stories. But now, the group had gathered at Rickabini’s, the neighborhood’s favorite Italian spot, to continue the celebration—this time, honoring the memory of Travis.The group was seated at a large round table in the back of the restaurant, plates of lasagna, fried steaks, and garlic bread laid out before them. The energy was light, despite the sadness in the air. It was a mix of bittersweet nostalgia and joy, with the people who loved Travis coming together to celebrate his life.At the table were Tamara and her husband, Jackson. Tamara was dressed as Madea, and her husband, Jackson, was wearing the signature attire of Professor Klump. They sat close, laughing and reminiscing with the

Isla’s POVThe living room was dimly lit, the only glow coming from the lamp in the corner and the faint city lights seeping through the blinds. The air between us felt heavy charged with something I wasn’t sure either of us could control.Marco stood a few steps away, hands shoved into his pockets, his jaw tight like he was fighting a battle within himself. I wasn’t any better. My heart pounded so hard I swore he could hear it, and I couldn’t seem to look away from him.We shouldn’t be doing this.“We should stop,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.Marco’s lips twitched, but it wasn’t amusement. It was frustration. “Then tell me to go, and you can call an Uber to take you to your in-laws' house to pick up your kids. ”I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.Instead of answering, I found myself taking a small step forward. Marco didn’t move away. His eyes darkened, his breathing deepening as I closed the space between us.The moment our bodies brushed, a slow exhale left h