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-"

think about what happened that night." That night was a nightmare I can never erase from

asked, "What do you want me to do so that you can forgive me and

had already said it, but he kept asking. Not wanting to repeat myself, I pushed him away. "Step aside. I'm hungry. 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."

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 considered

trembled at the

parents passed away, Dad had never referred to Mom as his

that being someone's wife was the highest and most formal recognition, and it

missus.

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

hardened heart began to crack

we scolded Chris too. He knows that he was

the dinner table.

7

couldn't bring myself to be as spoiled in front of them as a biological daughter might be. However, discontent was still

Chris for so many years. I'm sure they