Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Jewel came through safely, and the baby was saved. She returned to her hospital room looking pale and miserable, her eyes red from crying. Combined with her delicate appearance, she looked truly fragile and pitiful.

"Don't worry too much. The baby is fine." Chris reassured her.

"Chris, I'm so scared," Jewel cried.

Chris handed her a tissue, and she took it. She held onto his hand, with her tear-streaked face resting on the back of his hand.

Sure, she looked pitiful, but that didn't mean she could just treat someone else's fiancé like her husband.

I walked over to them. "Mrs. Goodwin, the doctor said that intense emotions aren't good for the baby. You've managed to save your child. It would be a problem if something were to happen because you cried." I gently pulled her away from Chris without making a fuss.

But seeing the tears on Chris' hand back, I couldn't help feeling uncomfortable as if something of mine had been dirtied by someone else.

I was a bit of a clean freak, both in daily life and in relationships.

Jewel seemed surprised when I addressed her as Mrs. Goodwin. Her face visibly stiffened, but she quickly adjusted her emotions.

"Chris, I'm sorry. What am I doing?" She reached for a tissue to wipe Chris' hand, only for me to stop her.

"Mrs. Goodwin, you shouldn't move around right now."

Jewel's face froze, her tearful eyes looked at Chris with obvious admiration.

"Does Jewel like you?" I asked Chris directly as we came out of the ward.

"No," Chris denied it.

"What about you? Do you like her?"

If I was going to ask, I wanted a clear answer. I didn't want to be strung along.

Chris' expression visibly stiffened. After a few seconds, he uttered softly, "We're just friends."

Just friends?

asked me to take care of Jewel..." Chris' voice trembled, and

lan's death, he always seemed emotional. This wasn't the first time he reacted

a bit when I saw him this way. "I didn't mean

she feels insecure by herself," Chris explained on her behalf. His dark eyes settled on my face. "Maddie, I'll be more careful in the future." With him putting it

what I witnessed just now happen again. I didn't want to feel disgusted with

"Okay, I understand."

just finished speaking when we heard the urgent sound of wheels squeaking against

a stretcher toward us in haste. Just as I was about to move aside, I heard

me of the time shortly after I had arrived

me to the infirmary. That was the first time I

was when I had truly fallen

his heartbeat was still racing, and it was because of

eyes, unwilling to think about anything else, and nuzzled my face

just tell Jewel," Chris said as

into the ward, I waited outside the door. I didn't hear what Chris said to Jewel, but when he came out, I

the couch watching TV without speaking to each other. They rarely spoke to each

after being married for so long and seeing each other

love when they were

was what love eventually

"Mom, Dad."

"Bree, Zack."

I greeted them

you two eaten? If not, there's still food left

eaten," Chris replied before turning to me. "Are you hungry? Would you

this moment, I didn't feel hungry.

you two go upstairs and rest? The household staff will bring

right with me. However, without dwelling on it, I went upstairs. But as soon as I pushed open the door, I froze and turned to Chris. He was standing at

to mention earlier. We need to clear out Chris' room to make it your shared bedroom.

after we get married. Why do we need to

you're moving out doesn't mean that you won't stay here sometimes, like during the holidays or when it gets too