Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 899

Hayden's dedication to the courtyard was no less than hers.

On any other day, Keira would have been thrilled to follow his lead and share in the excitement. But today, she couldn't muster any enthusiasm. Her attention was fixed entirely on the temple gates.

Even as the sun rose higher into the sky, the gates remained shut, and the unease in her heart grew heavier.

When Abbot Levinsky was still here, he opened the gates every morning without fail. After Jace arrived, he took over the task and once told her that opening the temple gates each day was like opening the door to one's heart. But today... why hadn't he come?

Was he unwell?

The thought sent a ripple of panic through her. Unable to wait any longer, Keira stepped forward and knocked on the door. After what felt like an eternity, someone finally

answered-a lay disciple living at the monastery.

"Apologies," he said with a slight bow. "Master Gregory might have overslept today."

Gregory. That was Jace's monastic name.

Hayden and Keira both bowed their thanks and entered the monastery.

"Does he oversleep often?" Keira asked the disciple as we walked.

"Not in the past, but recently Master Gregory hasn't been feeling well, so he occasionally rises late," the disciple replied.

Her heart skipped a beat. Not feeling well? What's wrong with him?

Without realizing it, her pace quickened. Hayden supported her as they made their way to Jace's meditation room.

Keira knocked on the door, but there was no response.

"Jace, are you awake?" Keira called out, her voice trembling slightly.

The disciple with us also called out, using his monastic name: "Master Gregory."

But the room remained silent.

Hayden glanced at her, his expression unreadable. Keira felt a wave of dread wash over her and instinctively pushed the door.

Hayden stopped her, his hand firm on her arm. Wait here. Let me go in first."

Chapter 899

He stepped inside.

+25 BONUS

Moments later, he returned, his face pale and strained in a way Keira had never seen before. He stared at her, his lips pressed tightly together, saying nothing. Keira knew then. Her knees buckled slightly, and she stumbled forward, shoving past him

and into the room.

There, in the stillness of the meditation room, Keira saw Jace lying peacefully on his bed.

He was dressed in a simple green robe, a scripture placed neatly beside him. In one hand, he held a piece of paper.

The scene reminded her so much of their school days, when he would fall asleep in bed with a book or test paper in his hand.

Keira stood frozen, clinging to the desperate hope that he was just taking a nap, shirking

his duties for a moment of rest.

It took her a long time to summon the courage to move. Finally, she reached out with trembling hands and took the paper from his grasp. The words written on it pierced through her like a blade:

"Life is a cycle, so there is no true birth or death in this world. My departure is merely an early return to be with all of you again.

Choosing to leave this way is my way of taking responsibility for myself and freeing my body from the torment of illness.

God says that illness and pain are the consequences of one's sins. I have borne this pain as long as I could, knowing it was mine to endure.

But now I choose to let go-not because I cannot endure the pain any longer, but because I do not want those who love me to be burdened with keeping me alive through the cold steel of surgical tools or the chill of intravenous medicines. For me, that would be a torment far greater than the illness itself.

I don't know how many people will still remember me. But for those who do, please smile when you think of me,

think of me, for I will see it.

Lastly, I ask that my ashes be laid to rest here, among the mountains and forests, accompanied by flowers, trees, and the melodies of birds and the sacred wisdom.

With deep gratitude."

Chapter 899

Keira's hands shook as she read.

+25 BONUS

His words were serene, full of acceptance, but they left a gaping wound in her chest.

Keira sank to my knees beside his bed, gripping the letter as tears blurred her vision.

"Jace," she whispered, her voice breaking, "why didn't you tell me? Why did you bear this alone?"

Hayden knelt beside her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. His warmth reminded her that she wasn't alone, but it did little to ease the cold, hollow ache in her chest. Looking at Jace's peaceful expression, Keira could only hope that he had found the release he longed for.

Still, a part of her selfishly wished he had stayed-just a little longer.