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, Kara and I headed to the

construction project for an amusement 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 were any discrepancies between the

slim since the partners followed the drawings closely, it was still a necessary procedure

feet were swollen, and my toes were aching. I found a

have noticed something was off. "Maddie,

If I weren't on site, I would have taken off my shoes to give my feet

looked at my face. "Maddie, do

Kara pointed at her face. "Maddie, your

last night. Besides, no matter how well a woman put on makeup, it

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

wouldn't be able to keep up the pretense if

over me. Thinking it was Kara, I didn't pay much attention until I felt warmth on

my foot on his knee, and started massaging it. "Are your

anything; my

up at me. "Are you still

to

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

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

then moved on to 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 guy who

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

you're so lucky!" Kara mouthed to me

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

want for lunch?"

I replied, not really having an appetite even though I

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

nose, making my breath hitch. Sensing my reaction, he smiled, buckled my seatbelt for me, and then kissed my cheek lightly as he straightened up. "Maddie, you look just as shy as you did

I couldn't answer him.

pathetic-Chris just had to be a little nicer to me, and

Jewel, I asked, "How is Jewel

fine. She's already