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.

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

it subtly, considering I regarded Conrad as an older

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

anything; he just stared at me with a mixture of disbelief, disappointment, and deep pain in his

some connections are meant to

I spoke, I felt

on my shoulders didn't loosen completely,

Conrad and I were in this tense standoff, Xander appeared out of nowhere and smiled brightly. "Ms. Crown, you have a guest. Why

to the office. I'll

you." Conrad left without looking back at me, and the sense of loss was

office. On my way, I decided to ask Xander for some time off to prepare the gift and visit the Gildon estate in the

voice. "It's done...

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