Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 19

Gordon Yates was Chris' secretary.

I still didn't say a word.

Seeing this, Chris lowered his gaze. "Madeline, what do you want me to do? Just tell me, okay?"

His tone was feeble, helpless, and even a bit resigned. It was a side of him I rarely saw.

"Chris, we've broken up. You don't need to feel so conflicted. You can take care of her however you want." I expressed my thoughts.

He shook his head and approached me, trapping me between the washbasin and his chest. "Don't even think about it. We're getting married tomorrow."

"Chris, do you really want to marry me?" I echoed the conversation I overheard between him and Derick that day. Bluntly, I continued, "We're so familiar with each other that you're not interested in sleeping with me, no?"

"Madeline, I told you that was just a joke. You saw how I reacted to you that night-"

happened that night." That night was a nightmare

asked, "What do you want me to do so that you can forgive me and not

to repeat myself, I

better?" Listening to the frustration in his tone, I smiled bitterly. "Chris, are you afraid

meant. I want to marry you." Chris paused. "Even though we haven't gotten the certificate, haven't had a wedding, and haven't even... been intimate, in my heart, I've long since

heart trembled at

to Mom as his wife in public. Dad would only introduce my

said that being someone's wife was the highest and most formal recognition, and it was different from being someone's girlfriend,

missus.

he had long considered me his wife. He wouldn't say that if he didn't truly mean

heart began to

the company yesterday, and we scolded Chris too. He knows that he was

the dinner table.

7

real parents, I couldn't bring myself to be as spoiled in front

for so many years. I'm sure they know how each other feels," Zack added