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.

discussions between partners and on-site inspections. After finishing the discussions by ten, Kara and I headed to

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

followed the drawings closely, it was still a necessary procedure

and my toes were aching. I found a place to

off. "Maddie, are you now

would have taken

looked at my face. "Maddie, do you

pointed at her

matter how well a woman put on makeup, it was no use if she was in

a random excuse and took out my phone, pretending to handle

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

Kara, I didn't pay much attention until I felt

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

anything; my throat felt

looked up at me. "Are

I replied, trying to pull my

massage my foot. "It won't

with a white shirt. The custom cufflinks on his shirt sparkled in the sunlight,

walking by. Some girls passing by showed

admit, I was touched. The resentment from last night melted away as he massaged

lucky!" Kara mouthed to me from a

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

do you want for

," I replied, not really having an appetite even though I

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

he smiled, buckled my seatbelt for me, and then kissed my cheek lightly as he straightened up. "Maddie,

I couldn't answer him.

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

I asked, "How is

"She's fine. She's already been