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?

died, he held my hand and asked me to take care of Jewel..." Chris' voice trembled, and so did his hand that was

seemed emotional. This wasn't the first time he reacted

didn't mean anything else. I just noticed how much Jewel relies

settled on my face. "Maddie, I'll be more careful in the future." With him putting it this way,

I witnessed just now happen again.

"Okay, I understand."

we heard the urgent sound of wheels squeaking against

I saw a group of people pushing a stretcher toward us in haste. Just as I was about to move aside, I heard Chris utter in a low voice, "Watch out." He then

reminded me of the time

me and carried me to the infirmary. That was the first time

had truly

his heartbeat was still

unwilling to think about anything else, and nuzzled my face against Chris'

said

the ward, I waited outside the door. I didn't hear what Chris said to

sitting on the couch watching TV without speaking to

so long and seeing each other every day,

told me that his parents used to be passionately in love when they were young. Alas, their

this was what

"Mom, Dad."

"Bree, Zack."

I greeted them

not, there's still food left for you,"

me. "Are you hungry? Would

at this moment, I didn't feel

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

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

Bree had already come upstairs. "Maddie, I forgot to mention earlier. We need to clear out Chris' room to make it your shared bedroom. Chris will stay in your room

Maddie and I will be moving out after we get married. Why do

that you won't stay here sometimes, like during the holidays or when it gets