Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

My body tensed. I instinctively wanted to avoid his touch, but Conrad held on tightly and gave me no chance to escape.

This feeling of being controlled by someone else was unpleasant, and I didn't like it. I frowned, "Conrad..."

Before I could finish, Conrad interrupted me. "Maddie, Chris is my brother, so I can't speak ill of him, but he's an exception. You can't give up your principles because of him."

His grip was tight. I could feel his tension. He was trembling. His gaze was intense, and his tone was heavy. There was even a pleading edge to it. "Maddie, finding a boyfriend is not a game. You have to be careful. One wrong move can ruin your life."

Seeing his earnestness, I felt a bit guilty. I almost wanted to tell him that Brandon was just a temporary boyfriend.

But that thought quickly vanished. Bringing Brandon was meant to end any lingering hopes the Gildon family might have. If I told him the truth, what was the point of this charade?

"Conrad, I'm not a child. I know what I'm doing," I retorted.

"But you've only known Brandon for a few days!" Conrad's voice grew louder. He was clearly upset.

a bombshell. "I've only known him for a few days, but our relationship was established when

an older brother

instantly. He looked at me with shock. His grip on my shoulder tightened as

at me with a mixture of disbelief, disappointment, and deep pain in

the depth of his gaze, then moved slightly. "Conrad, some connections are meant to be

I felt Conrad's

shoulders didn't loosen completely, I could tell it wasn't as tight

standoff, Xander appeared out of nowhere and smiled brightly. "Ms. Crown, you have a guest. Why not go

at Conrad. "Come to the office. I'll

thank you." Conrad left without looking

office. On my way, I decided to ask Xander for some time off to prepare

his voice. "It's done... Yeah, he's

as he stepped out, he saw me standing at the door. He seemed startled and nearly