Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I checked my calendar and realized that Zack's birthday was in three days.

It wouldn't be appropriate to bring up this matter on his birthday. I didn't want to dampen his celebration. So, I decided to deliver the gift early to ensure I wouldn't have to go on his actual birthday. However, before I could take action, Conrad came to find me.

I hadn't seen him since we left the amusement park, and I almost didn't recognize him at first glance.

"Have I changed so much that you can't recognize me?" Conrad joked.

Seeing him like this reminded me of Brandon, and I smiled faintly. "If your mom saw you like this, she would definitely be worried."

"No, she said I look more manly now," Conrad said, trying to make me laugh again.

I pressed my lips together. "Indeed, you do look more masculine."

Conrad touched his face. "I think so too."

Despite his efforts to lighten the mood, I still didn't know how to respond after he spoke.

I asked him, "How have Bree

you a lot." Conrad's

Gildon estate every day after work, and they saw me daily. But since I moved out, I hadn't visited

to visit them today," I said and paused for a moment. "I need

hide it from him. "Chris has been aggressively undermining the

didn't look surprised. It

in the next moment, he said, "I've already told my Dad

me, Conrad continued, "I'm here today as a messenger for my Dad.

help but smile. "If you fail your mission today, will Zack beat

with the Gildon family, Zack had assigned Conrad a task, which he didn't complete well. When he returned,

the first time I saw Zack

the time. He didn't cry or explain himself. But when he saw me, I

have hidden away to spare

you making fun of me?" Conrad

started

Conrad interrupted, "But I'm not here to persuade you today, even if