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

family, let alone me. Now, his sudden call must be related to

family. Butthey still

didn't like beating around the bush

once

had remembered this number for ten

wanted to top up the balance. But I had no money and was too embarrassed to

me what it was for, I told him

helped to pay for the phone

his call, I jokingly asked, "Are you calling me to

"Yes." He admitted.

went along with it. "I'll transfer the money to

"Maddie..." Conrad interrupted.

but didn't speak. Neither did

"My parents are worried about you. They're very anxious because they can't find you. My mom... fainted from

this severe. Guilt and concern constricted my breath. "Is Bree alright?" "She's fine. She just has high blood

continued, "Maddie, did Chris

avoid it. I had to answer this question again. I guessed that everyone who knew about our situation