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 discussions by ten, Kara and I headed to

the projects. Now, 80% of it was complete. I had to check on-site to see if there were any discrepancies

chances of problems were slim since the partners followed the drawings closely, it

my toes were

noticed something was off. "Maddie, are you now

I weren't on site, I would have

"Maddie,

me pause, Kara pointed at her face. "Maddie, your complexion doesn't

I looked well after barely sleeping last night. Besides, no matter how well a woman put on makeup, it was no use if

a random excuse and took out my

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

pay much attention until I felt warmth on my ankle and saw familiar

shoes, placed my foot on his knee, and

anything; my

up at me. "Are you still

replied, trying to pull my foot

let go as he continued to massage my foot. "It

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

Some girls passing by showed envious looks, whispering about finally seeing a real-life version of a handsome

resentment from last night melted away as he

so lucky!" Kara mouthed to me from

If I kept holding onto last night's incident, it would make me seem petty, as if I were overly eager for what

for

appetite even though

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

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

I couldn't answer him.

fleeting, it lifted my spirits completely. I always felt so pathetic-Chris just had to be a

Jewel, I asked, "How is

fine. She's already been