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

family. Butthey still informed each other of

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

money from me once to pay for the

He had remembered this number for ten years simply because he paid for the

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 Chris' parents. So, I borrowed money

use the money for something bad. When he asked me what it was for, I told him but he didn't believe me.

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

had forgotten to repay him for the bill. So now, facing his call, I jokingly asked, "Are you calling me to collect a

"Yes." He admitted.

along with it. "I'll transfer the

"Maddie..." Conrad interrupted.

gripped my phone tightly but didn't speak.

sounded again. "My parents are worried about you. They're very anxious because

parents to worry but didn't think it'd be this severe. Guilt and

and continued, "Maddie, did Chris do something

avoid it. I had to answer this question again. I