Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"What?" I was stunned and then cursed, "Is he out of his mind?"

"Ms. Crown, Mr. Gildon has indeed been acting irrational lately," Gordon explained.

As Gordon spoke, it struck me that everything about the wedding dresses and rings was his doing. He followed Chris' orders.

"What is he trying to achieve? Disgust me?" I asked angrily.

Gordon hesitated. "Maddie, I really don't know what Mr. Gildon is thinking, but one thing's for sure. He doesn't want to lose you. He loves you." "Gordon," I said, "it's one thing for others to say that, but how can you? Do you genuinely believe he loves me?"

Gordon fell silent.

"If he wants to act crazy, let him. I'm not going to play along," I said firmly.

"Ms. Crown, actually, I've been blaming myself. If it weren't for me that time, you and Mr. Gildon wouldn't have ended up like this."

Gordon was still feeling guilty about his past mistake.

"Mr. Yates, I am actually thankful for you. If it weren't for that incident, I wouldn't have made up my mind to end things with him." I paused. "But I didn't break up with Chris just because of that incident. It was a long time coming, and you should know that."

I was the one who delivered the final blow," Gordon

that's your choice.

skills, you'll find a better job in no

you find a

I won't have trouble finding one," I replied vaguely, not wanting to

I feared what he might do if he

I couldn't believe Chris had gone so far as to propose to me. It felt necessary to be blunt and crush any lingering hope he might have had. Thinking

he was probably at work and

got ready to leave

I saw

me at the

park again?" I

Chris' impending proposal, I immediately

on

considered whether to compromise, Brandon sent

too? How big of a scene had Chris planned

"I don't want