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.

finishing the discussions by

was complete. I had to check on-site to see if there were any discrepancies between the finished work and the design

since the partners followed the drawings closely, it was still a necessary procedure for me to

rounds, my feet were swollen, and my toes were aching. I found a place to sit and

noticed something was off. "Maddie, are

I weren't on site, I would have taken off

Kara looked at my face. "Maddie, do you feel unwell

pointed at her face. "Maddie, your complexion

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

because I'm getting my period soon." I gave her a random excuse

I was afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up the pretense if she kept

over me. Thinking it was Kara, I didn't pay much attention

my foot on his knee,

say anything;

looked up at me. "Are

to pull

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

The custom cufflinks on his shirt

my right, paying no attention to the people walking by. Some girls passing by showed envious looks, whispering about finally seeing a real-life version of a handsome

I was touched. The resentment from last night melted

mouthed to

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

want for lunch?" Chris asked

an appetite even though I was feeling a

pan-seared foie gras; it's really

smiled, buckled my seatbelt for me, and then kissed

I couldn't answer him.

spirits completely. I always felt so pathetic-Chris just

of Jewel, I asked, "How is Jewel

replied, "She's fine. She's already been