Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 79

Lisa wasn't going to reply anytime soon. I closed the chat and opened my social media feed.

To my surprise, I saw a set of carefree photos posted by Derick. It wasn't only him, but others too. There was an image of several glasses clinking together.

I recognized one of the hands-it was Chris's. Because on his finger was a cheap ring I had given him.

The sight of that ring now made me cringe at my immaturity.

It was a matching set; I had the other one. I bought them on my 18th birthday for 999 dollars. I wore the women's style and gave him the men's. He teased me then about trying to tie him down.

But he never wore it again. When I hinted at it, he said he was afraid people would laugh at him. Laugh at how cheap it was.

I understood what he meant. How could someone of his status wear a ring that cost just a few hundred dollars? But it was bought with the first money I earned from tutoring.

After that, I never mentioned the ring again, and he never wore it. Yet here, he was, wearing it in the photo.

What did this mean?

What was he trying to say?

I didn't know, and I didn't want to guess.

ring did hurt me. It evoked memories of my cautious, relentless pursuit of Chris, always looking up

"Who did

without replying. My mind was still tangled from seeing the photo of Chris

again, then followed with,

Cheop

Lisa finally

too well, so it wasn't hard to figure

and woman when alone suggests a potential problem with the

Did Brandon have issues?

it must be me lacking charm. Thinking about how I couldn't even compete with a widow for Chris, I shook

you weren't in bed last night. Where did you go? I messaged you but you didn't reply," Kara asked as soon as she woke up to

of the night. She usually slept

her eyes. "I went for a

the middle of the night? Are you torturing yourself? Or are you

of

I rolled my eyes

go for a run in the middle of the night?"

Instead, I changed clothes and reminded her to

was such a curious cat. "Maddie, you put in extra hours and it only led to issues. Maybe you should stop working