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.

meet his impatient gaze, only to see him reaching

he

didn't move, and the atmosphere grew

exhaled lightly with a hint of helplessness. "I was just joking with Derick. Did you take

prideful men can be," he explained. He raised his hand and gripped my arm before sliding down to take hold of my hand. Then, he pulled the document from my grasp. "Don't believe everything you hear in

frequently, and he would stay out for a long time each

after him. "Do you like

eyes on me, and after a moment, a dimple appeared on his left cheek as he smiled. Chris looked good when he smiled. I still remembered how he had approached me with that same warm smile and

his had warmed my heart and made me fall hopelessly in love with him. Even now, I still

head

to buy you some roasted pears, give you your favorite

to waver, a smile and a few sweet words from

like a kite, with the end of the string firmly held in his hand. Depending on his mood, he controlled my joy

I had heard earlier

before. I looked into

motion on my head as his smile