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-"

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 can forgive me and not mention breaking

repeat myself, I pushed him away. "Step aside. I'm hungry. I want

to the frustration in his tone, I smiled bitterly. "Chris, are you afraid that you'll get an earful if I

haven't gotten the certificate, haven't had a wedding,

trembled at the

Dad had never referred to Mom as his wife in public. Dad would only introduce

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

missus.

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

hardened heart began to

company yesterday, and we scolded Chris too. He knows

the dinner table.

7

okay, Bree. I didn't take it to heart," I 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. However, discontent was still

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