All Chapters of His Redemption : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

I got home from a wonderful evening with my friends, still smiling. As I walked in, I heard familiar voices coming from the kitchen. They were talking about something serious, and my curiosity got the better of me. I walked carefully so they wouldn’t notice me and listened in. The incident at school was still eating at me. I couldn’t defend my best friend. Instead, I’d scolded him. I felt awful about it. “But why would Diana act like that?” Mom asked, worry clear in her voice. “What’s gotten into her lately?” “I’m as surprised as you, Auntie,” Bryan said, concern lacing his words. “The way she behaved… it’s like she’s confused. She couldn’t even defend me. She just let that guy drag her away.” Mom reached out and caressed Bryan’s cheek. “Have you put ointment on it?” Bryan winced. “Not yet, Ms. Clerk. Diana needs to be warned about this new relationship. That guy gives off a really bad vibe.” Mom stayed silent. I couldn’t believe Bryan was talking ab

“I won’t take much time here,” I complained for the tenth time. “Why the whole world of makeup? And this dress is hellishly short.” Sia and Linda weren’t interested in my pleas. “Shut up and stop being ungrateful,” Sia said, applying the final coat of lip gloss. “Diana, it’s your birthday,” Linda added, styling my hair into loose waves. “Allow us to idolize you. And you’re going on your official date with your handsome man. Don’t you want to look stunning for him?” I sighed deeply, watching them transform me. Ever since the surprise at school, Michael had appointed Sia and Linda to dress me for our date. Four hours. Four hours of brushes, sprays, and chatter. At first I wanted to bolt. I wasn’t used to this—being fussed over, being the center of it all. It felt foreign, like I was wearing someone else’s skin. But as Sia dabbed highlighter on my cheekbones and Linda twisted my hair into loose waves, I started to quiet down. It wasn’t just makeup. It was them tryi

I used to think telling it as a story would make it hurt less. Like if I called her “the princess” and him “the prince,” it would turn into something distant. Something that happened to someone else. It doesn’t work. The moment I open my mouth, I’m eighteen again. Scared, angry, and stupid enough to believe the next “I’m sorry” would mean something. “This is where the story stops for now,” I said softly, closing the book and rolling onto my left side to tuck my daughter’s hair behind her ear. “So the princess never saw her prince again?” Sonia asked, eyes wide with curiosity. She’s always believed a good story has a happy ending. I used to believe that too. I believed in fairy tales. But for the past eight years—seven, really—there hasn’t been anything like a happy ending. Just a made-up story. And I’m willing to prove that to her. I nodded, patting her hair as we lay in bed, recounting the story of my teenage love. “She wishes she did,” I said. “She could ha

All the investigators stood at attention in the department station. Eyes forward, hands at our sides, feet planted in discipline. Our heads were bowed slightly, waiting for the announcement from our head, Mr. Douglas. Seated before us, Mr. Douglas slammed his hand on the table. The sudden movement snapped everyone to attention. When he stood up, his icy gaze swept over each face. Mr. Douglas is short-tempered, arrogant, full of ego. In his opinion, he’s always right, and no one—absolutely no one—dares object to his commands. When his gaze settled on me, my heart pounded in my chest, faster than I thought possible. In the department, he’s a ruthless leader. Mostly everyone’s mentor, too. He’s the one who taught me a lot and made me the detective I am today. Douglas only seems like a cold breeze when he’s on duty. Outside of work, he’s different. “Alex, Ina, Luke, May,” he called out, voice firm and commanding. The four investigators stepped forward without

SOMEWHERE IN PARIS – BRYAN’S POV I sat still as the makeup artist finished the last touches on my face. Her hands moved fast, precise. Beside her, my other assistant adjusted my suit, tugging at every crease until it was perfect. “Mr. Adron, it’s time for the event,” Aaman said behind me. I stood, straightened my jacket with a motion I’d done a thousand times, and stepped out. Aaman followed, as always. “Mr. Adron, you also have an appointment with your mother at 1 pm,” he added. I kept walking through the chaos of models and fashion people rushing past. “How’s her treatment going?” I asked, voice calm even though my chest tightened. “It’s going as well as before,” Aaman replied. “But she’s threatened to stop her treatment if you don’t get married soon.” I chuckled under my breath. Of course she had. Mom had one weapon left, and she wasn’t afraid to use it. My eyes scanned the room, catching familiar faces from the fashion world. “Any calls from Diana ye