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.

and on-site inspections. After finishing the discussions by ten,

was responsible for overseeing all the projects. Now, 80% of it was complete. I

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

feet were swollen, and my toes were

must have noticed something was off. "Maddie, are you

I admitted. If I weren't on site, I would have taken

looked at my face. "Maddie, do you feel

pointed at her face. "Maddie, your

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

soon." I gave her a random excuse and took out my phone,

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

Thinking it was Kara, I didn't pay much attention until I felt warmth

had taken off my shoes, placed my foot on his knee, and started massaging it. "Are

say anything; my throat felt

looked up at me. "Are you

replied, trying to pull

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

shirt. The custom cufflinks

Some girls passing by showed envious looks,

was touched. The resentment from last night melted away

Kara mouthed to me

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

you want for lunch?" Chris

an appetite even though I was feeling a

They also have pan-seared foie gras; it's

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.

spirits completely. I always felt so pathetic-Chris just had to be

asked,

"She's fine. She's