Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 16

"Madeline, please don't misunderstand."

Jewel's words made me want to laugh.

Thinking about what she said while choosing bed linens earlier, it seemed she implicitly considered Chris her boyfriend,

"Is this for Chris?" I asked, looking at the bed linens that she had chosen. It was the blue-gray color that Chris used to like. But things had changed since then. Under my influence, he now preferred brighter colors.

Jewel bit her lip, hesitated for a few seconds, and then shook her head. "No, please don't misunderstand. I'm buying this for my brother."

As I couldn't be bothered with her games, I asked directly, "Is Chris going to live with you now?"

He had said that he couldn't let anything happen to Jewel's child, so it made sense for him to keep an eye on her at all hours of the day.

"Madeline, how can you say that?" Jewel looked visibly agitated.

"You're buying him bedding, Jewel. How am I supposed to interpret that?" I mocked,

"Madeline, you're too jealous. Chris won't like this about you," Jewel retorted, which only made me laugh.

She looked at me with

brushed a stray hair from my cheek. "Even if Chris likes me, he can't withstand

are you so harsh with your words?" Jewel snapped, her face turning

You actually wanted to see Chris, didn't you?" I realized this at dawn, even though I had slept soundly all

hit

of

deliberately and shook her head.

of me like that?"

Chris showed up at the cafe

moment, a flicker of embarrassment evident in her

at being caught out.

Chris, do it on your own merits. Don't step on me to boost yourself up. Also..." I

added, "All thanks to

foie gras that night. If we're going Dutch, you owe me a third. Or if you want to cover Chris' share too, that works," I said, extending my phone

expression turned sour. "I don't have

found that hard to believe

no one's been giving me money. That's why

or not, pressing