Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"Maddie, Mr. Gildon would like to speak for you." Kara Spraggins, who had come with me, held out the phone.

I had underestimated Chris' persistence. In this situation, I had no choice but to take the phone. I spoke very formally. "Mr. Gildon, what can I do for you?"

"Maddie." Chris' hoarse voice was filled with guilt. "Why did you leave so early today? I came home but couldn't give you a lift."

Realizing he wasn't talking about work, I walked a bit further away. "I went out for breakfast."

"I'm sorry. I couldn't leave last night. That's why I didn't come home."

My heart grew cold, a sarcastic smirk on my lips. "Why couldn't you leave?"

When he didn't answer me, I held my breath and gave him an out. "Couldn't find a nurse?"

He said hesitantly, "Yes."

I didn't say anything more.

Chris continued, "Maddie, when will you be done? I'll come pick you up, and we can have lunch together."

We hadn't had lunch together in a long time.

According to what Yerick said last night, Chris had been spending his time with Jewel.

Was he suddenly asking me out of guilt for leaving me halfway last night, or did he suddenly have a conscience?

I didn't know, and I didn't want to tire my brain cells guessing. I replied indifferently, "I'm not sure. It might not even be finished by noon. Besides, don't you have something to do every day at noon now?" "Maddie." Chris must have caught my sarcasm. He called out my name sternly, only to pause for two seconds before he said, "Don't overthink it."

He left me in bed when we were in the middle of doing it last night. What else could I be overthinking about?

Not wanting to discuss personal matters during working hours, I told him, "I'm busy right now. I'm hanging up if there's nothing else."

He didn't say anything, so I hung up the phone.

fieldwork included discussions between partners and on-site inspections. After finishing the

was responsible for overseeing all the projects. Now, 80% of it was complete. I had to check on-site to

the chances of problems were slim since the partners followed the

and my toes were aching. I found a place

something was off. "Maddie, are you

hurt/" I admitted. If I weren't on site, I would have taken off my shoes to give my feet

"Maddie, do you

Kara pointed at her face. "Maddie,

after barely sleeping last night. Besides, no matter how well a woman put on

soon." I gave her a

a chatty girl. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up the pretense if

fell over me. Thinking it was Kara, I didn't pay much attention until I felt warmth on my ankle and saw familiar

my shoes, placed my foot on his knee, and started massaging it. "Are your shoes not fitting

anything; my throat

up at me. "Are you still

I replied, trying to pull my foot

go as he continued to massage my foot. "It won't happen again," he quietly

navy blue suit with a white shirt. The custom cufflinks on his shirt sparkled in

people walking by. Some girls passing by showed envious looks,

The resentment from last night melted away as he massaged my

Kara mouthed to me from

night's incident, it would make me seem petty, as if I were overly

you want for lunch?" Chris

replied, not really having an appetite even though I was feeling a bit

fish. They also have pan-seared foie gras; it's really good," Chris suggested while

I reached for the seatbelt, he leaned in, his soapy scent wafting past my nose, making my breath hitch. Sensing my reaction, he smiled, buckled my seatbelt for me, and then kissed my cheek lightly as he straightened up. "Maddie, you

I couldn't answer him.

the kiss was fleeting, it lifted my spirits completely. I always felt so pathetic-Chris just had

I asked, "How is

fine. She's already been