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.

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

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

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

swollen, and my toes were aching. I found

noticed something was off. "Maddie,

feet hurt/" I admitted. If I weren't on site, I would have taken off my shoes

at my face. "Maddie, do you

her face. "Maddie,

after barely sleeping last night. Besides, no matter how

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

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

was Kara, I didn't pay much

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

anything; my throat

looked up at me. "Are you

to pull

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

navy blue suit with a white shirt. The custom cufflinks on his shirt sparkled in the sunlight, much

to the people walking by. Some girls passing by showed envious looks, whispering

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

Kara mouthed to me from

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

want for lunch?"

an appetite

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

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 up.

I couldn't answer him.

it lifted my spirits completely. I always felt so pathetic-Chris just had to be a little nicer to me, and I'd be over

I asked, "How is Jewel

"She's fine. She's already been