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.

9

He seldom contacted his family, let alone me. Now,

with his family. Butthey still

get this number?" I didn't like beating around the bush and

once to

at his intellect. He had remembered this number for ten years simply because he paid for the phone bill

wanted to top up the balance. But I had

what it was

the end, Conrad helped to pay for the phone bill and

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

"Yes." He admitted.

but I went along with it.

"Maddie..." Conrad interrupted.

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

very anxious because they can't find you. My

didn't think it'd be this severe. Guilt and concern constricted

paused and continued, "Maddie, did Chris do

I guessed that everyone who knew about our situation would ask