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-"

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

contracted. He looked lost when he finally asked, "What do you want me to do so that you can forgive me and not mention breaking up

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 you'll get an earful if I tell your parents about the breakup? I can hold off on telling them." Chapter

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 considered you my...

at

my parents passed away, Dad had never referred to Mom as his wife in public.

the highest and most formal recognition, and it

missus.

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

heart began

and we scolded Chris too. He knows that he was wrong." Bree brought up

the dinner table.

7

Despite seeing them as my real parents, I couldn't bring myself to be as spoiled in front of

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