Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Jewel's expression visibly turned darker, her naturally pale complexion now even more ashen. Her hand holding the juice trembled.

"I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to," she stammered, looking fragile and pitiful as if my words had wounded her.

But I didn't stop. Since I had started, I continued, "Perhaps you didn't mean to, but it's true that your actions have affected us. Mrs. Goodwin, if it was unintentional, just be mindful in the future. You don't have to apologize."

"If lan were here, I wouldn't bother Chris," Jewel murmured as tears streamed down again. There was a saying that women were like water. Looking at her now, I could say that the saying applied to her. Her way with words somehow left me at a loss.

"Madeline." Jewel looked at me with shimmering eyes. "The only reason I contact Chris is because lan told Chris to take care of me before he passed on. Chris agreed to it." Her hand continued to fidget with the cup. "If not for this, I wouldn't contact Chris."

She was justifying herself, yet also subtly jabbing at me.

We were all adults here; everyone had their own agenda.

"Mrs. Goodwin, Chris promised your late husband to take care of you, but this 'care' needs boundaries. After all, you're alone now. People might gossip if they see you two together all the time." I paused briefly. "Mrs. Goodwin, it doesn't matter what others say about Chris. However, it would be bad if people gossiped about you, especially since you have a child. Don't you think so?"

She could act like the angel she was; I didn't mind playing the saint.

after I

all this talk is because you're worried about Chris taking care of me, isn't it? Do

through. It was the complete opposite of her usual

"rabbit" had finally borne

could say anything, Jewel's tears suddenly started to

you're still upset, you can hit or scold me all you want. But please, keep my

Did I say anything

to leave. With her hands on

strode over and

was the third time he'd

eyes glared at me with anger. "Madeline,

suddenly brought up the child. She was resorting to cliches that not even TV dramas use anymore. "What did I do?" Seeing the coldness in Chris' eyes, I died inside

started accusing me. Our

fault. I know I'm always

she was