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

seldom contacted his family, let alone me. Now,

family. Butthey still informed each

didn't like beating around the bush

from me once to

had remembered this number for ten years simply

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

what it was for, I told him but he didn't believe me. So,

helped to pay for the phone bill

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

"Yes." He admitted.

with it. "I'll transfer

"Maddie..." Conrad interrupted.

my phone tightly but didn't

very anxious because they can't find

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

continued, "Maddie, did Chris do something

couldn't avoid it. I had to answer this question again. I guessed that