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.

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

the projects. Now, 80% of it was complete. I had

chances of problems were slim since the partners followed the drawings

my toes were aching. I found a place

off. "Maddie, are you

on site, I would have taken off my shoes to give my

"Maddie,

pointed at her face. "Maddie,

night. Besides, no matter how

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

chatty girl. I was afraid I wouldn't be able

was Kara, I didn't pay much attention until I felt warmth on my ankle and saw

his knee, and

say anything;

"Are you still

I replied, trying to pull my

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

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

people walking by. Some girls passing by showed envious looks, whispering about finally seeing a real-life

from last night melted away as

so lucky!" Kara mouthed

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

you want for

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

pan-seared foie gras; it's really good," Chris suggested while helping me into the

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

I couldn't answer him.

always felt so pathetic-Chris just had to be

Jewel, I asked, "How is

replied, "She's fine. She's