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?"

me hold my

hadn't said yes or no, and I hadn't asked

Chris didn't say anything.

a laugh. "You don't want

"That's not it..."

not fully content, right?" Derick, who had grown up

have you ever heard of this

"What is it?"

things have little to no value, yet one is still reluctant to part with them," Chris replied as he lit a cigarette. The smoke blurred the face

It turned out that I

you marry her or not?"

the answer. Do

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

meant nothing to him. However, he had been my everything for the

could taste a bitterness rising in

at the marriage license application form in my hand.