Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"Be honest. Have you ever done it with Madeline?"

The deep voice of a man came through the crack in the door, making me pause as I was about to enter the room.

Through the gap in the door, I saw Chris Gildon sitting inside the room. His thin lips were slightly pursed as he replied, "She's made a move on me before, but I wasn't interested."

"Chris, don't put her down like that. Madeline's beauty is something that everyone in our circle agrees on. Many people have their eyes on her," commented Chris' best friend, Derick Bowman, who had witnessed our ten-year relationship.

"We know each other too well. Do you know what I mean?" Chris' eyebrows furrowed.

When I was 14, I was sent to the Gildon estate, where I had met Chris for the first time. Back then, everyone told me that Chris was the person I was destined to marry. It had been ten years since we started living together.

"That's true. You work in the same company during the day, so you probably see each other all the time. Then, when you go back, you have dinner together at night. You both probably know exactly how many times the other goes to the bathroom each day," Derick said jokingly.

Then, he clicked his tongue before continuing, "Nowadays, it's not about growing fond of each other over time. There has to be a sense of mystery between men and women. It's only thrilling when you want something you can't have."

Chris remained silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Derick's words.

"So, will you still marry her?"

made me

us to get married. He hadn't said yes or no, and I hadn't asked him about it. But Derick was

Chris didn't say anything.

let out a laugh.

"That's not it..."

marry her, but you're not fully content, right?" Derick, who had grown up with Chris, knew

have you ever heard of this

"What is it?"

still reluctant to part with them," Chris replied as he lit a cigarette. The smoke blurred the face that I had admired

that

her

knowing the answer. Do you have feelings for her? How about I give her to

living person, but Chris was casually offering to give me away like I was just an insignificant object. If I were a pet that he had raised for ten years, he would surely feel some kind of attachment to me,

I meant nothing to him. However,

words deeply wounded me. I could taste a bitterness rising in my

stared at the marriage license application form in my