Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 30

"Kid." The voice on the other end was rich and resonant. It sounded familiar yet

strange.

A familiar face flashed before my eyes, and I called out, "Conrad..."

I had thought that changing my number would allow me to avoid the Gildons. But I hadn't expected Conrad to know this brother, let alone contact me.

"I see you've saved my number and haven't forgotten me," Conrad said with a hint of teasing.

He was only two years older than Chris and looked after me before he went abroad. He always liked to call me "kid".

I was at a loss for words. To me, his words carried a tinge of resentment.

In the first two years after he left, I occasionally contacted him to ask about his situation. Later, we gradually lost touch.

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was not the proactive type. He seldom contacted his family, let alone me. Now, his sudden call must be related to

family. Butthey still informed each other of

number?" I didn't

once to pay for the phone

He had remembered this number for

dad's phone became a relic. One day, I discovered it was out of service and wanted to top up the balance. But I had no money and was too embarrassed to ask

worried I'd use the money for something bad. When he asked me what it was for, I told him but he didn't believe me. So, he went with me. Chapter

the end, Conrad helped to pay for the phone bill

had forgotten to repay him for the bill. So now, facing his call, I jokingly

"Yes." He admitted.

knew he wasn't, but I went along with it. "I'll transfer the

"Maddie..." Conrad interrupted.

my phone tightly but didn't speak. Neither did Conrad

are worried about you. They're very anxious

heart stopped for a second. I had anticipated his parents to worry but didn't think it'd be this severe. Guilt and concern constricted my breath. "Is Bree alright?" "She's fine. She just has high blood pressure from the

and continued, "Maddie, did Chris

question again. I guessed that everyone who knew about our situation would