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.

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

was a 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

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

rounds, my feet were swollen, and my toes were

must have noticed something was off.

site, I would have taken off my shoes to

face. "Maddie, do

her face. "Maddie, your complexion doesn't

if I looked well after barely sleeping last night. Besides, no matter how well a woman put on

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

was afraid I wouldn't be able

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

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

say anything; my

"Are you still

replied, trying to

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

shirt. The custom

left foot and 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

touched. The resentment from last

lucky!" Kara mouthed

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

you want for lunch?"

not really having an appetite even

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

wafting past my nose, making my breath hitch. Sensing my reaction, he smiled, buckled my seatbelt for me, and

I couldn't answer him.

so pathetic-Chris just had to be a little

Jewel, I asked, "How is

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