Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I pondered this question all day long. I still didn't have an answer when he came to get me in the afternoon. Despite that, I followed him anyway. Habit sure was a scary thing. Ten years was what it took to make me accustomed to both him and going back to Gildon Estate after work.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Chris probably sensed my low spirits on the way back and took the initiative to ask.

I was silent for a few seconds before I mentioned, "Chris, maybe we should-"

Before I could finish my sentence, his phone rang. The car display showed an unlisted number, but I clearly saw Chris' grip on the steering wheel tighten.

He was nervous, which was rare.

Instinctively, I looked at his face, but he quickly turned off the car's speaker and switched to Bluetooth. "Hello... Okay, I'm on my way now."

The call was short.

After the call ended, he looked at me and said, "Maddie, I have an urgent matter to deal with. I can't take you home."

Even before he spoke, I knew he was going to leave me behind. It wasn't the first time. But before he said anything, I still hoped he would take me home first.

A sudden pain hit my heart, but I suppressed my sadness. "Is something wrong?"

Chris' jaw tightened. He didn't answer and instead looked out the window. "Get off in front, and take a taxi home."

He didn't even want to give an explanation. What more could I say when he had already made arrangements?

embarrass myself if I

when you get home," Chris instructed as he pulled over to a temporary parking spot by

backpack was firm when I

just my imagination. Judging from his reaction to the incoming call and how he didn't dare to answer it on speakerphone where I could hear the conversation, I already had a hunch. But I had chosen

a thin layer of paper over a

he hurriedly reminded me before he

eyes

my pocket. It was a call from

you? Want to grab dinner?" she

gynecologist, was a skilled doctor despite her young age. She

"Sure," I agreed readily.

I ask you to dinner, you always say, 'Let me check with Chris first.'

were an accessory to Chris. Fearing he couldn't find me, I

words that I had become a burden to him. He was

the hospital or home?" I answered

gave me an address, telling me

Lisa sensed

friends, so I

are jerks. Insipid to eat, he said? As if he's slept with you