Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

When Chris heard the noise, he looked up. His gaze fell on my face. I didn't even have to see it to know how dark my expression was. "Are you feeling unwell?" he asked, frowning slightly.

I walked to his desk without a word. Swallowing the bitterness in my throat, I said, "If you don't want to marry me, I can let your mom know."

Chris' frown deepened when he realized that I had overheard his conversation with Derick.

My throat felt dry as I continued, "I never thought that I'd end up being a burden to you, Chris-"

"To everyone else, we're already like a married couple," Chris interrupted me.

So what? Was he marrying me because of what everyone else thought? I wanted him to marry me because he loved me and wanted to spend his life with me.

With a click, Chris capped the pen in his hand and looked at the marriage license application form I was holding. "We'll register next Wednesday."

This was what I wanted to hear, but at that moment, it only made me feel terrible.

I lowered my head and shook it slightly. "Chris, you don't have to force yourself. I'm not some charity case."

"Madeline Crown!" he said sternly.

him reaching his

he ordered, "Give it

didn't move, and

got up and stood in front of me. His tall frame loomed over me as he exhaled lightly with a hint of helplessness. "I

hold of my hand. Then, he pulled the document from my grasp. "Don't believe everything you hear in the future." He then turned around

he would stay out for

him. "Do

past me, but he stopped at my words. He fixed his dark eyes on me, and after a moment, a dimple appeared on his left cheek as he

and made me fall hopelessly in love with him. Even now, I still

on my head as

across the city to buy you some roasted pears, give you your favorite roses every birthday, or watch the meteor showers with you? And...

a smile and a few sweet words from Chris were enough to make

the string firmly held in his hand. Depending on his mood, he controlled

had

be as easily placated as before. I looked into his eyes and

motion on my