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-"

off, not wanting to think about what happened that night." That night was a

He looked lost when he finally asked, "What do you want me to do so that you

had already said it, but he kept asking. Not wanting to repeat myself, I

Jewel's number. "Is that better?" Listening to the frustration in his tone, I smiled bitterly. "Chris, are you afraid that

I 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 the word

never referred to Mom as his wife in

that being someone's wife was the highest and most

missus.

had long considered me his wife. He wouldn't say

hardened heart began to crack

we scolded Chris

the dinner table.

7

replied. Despite seeing them as my real parents, I couldn't bring myself to be as spoiled in front of them as a biological daughter might be.

girl. She has been with Chris for so many years. I'm sure they know how each