Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 161

Ever since I wasn't obligated to practice calligraphy with Zack, I hadn't picked up a brush on my own in years. Despite being older now, I avoided doing work if could, just like when I was younger.

"Don't worry, just write freely. Express yourself however it comes," Zack encouraged while handing the brush to me once more. How could I refuse now?

The brush felt considerably heavier in my hand now compared to when I had held it in the store. Perhaps it was the ink weighing it down, or maybe it was the weight of Zack's expectations.

He hoped that I was still able to write skilfully and that I still loved Chris as before. That way, I would still be closely related to them.

I started writing. My hand trembled, so the strokes were uneven despite my best efforts. I knew Zack wasn't really interested in the technical aspects of my calligraphy, he just wanted to glean what I was feeling.

"Live in the moment," Zack read what I wrote out loud. Just like him, I also used my words to express my emotions.

He didn't say anything else and just nodded. Then, he looked at me solemnly and said, "Maddie, I wish you nothing but happiness."

He reached out his hand to shake mine, but I surprised him by pulling him into a gentle embrace. "Thank you, Zack," I murmured.

It's my

Bree complained. Yet here he was, apologizing to me. Tears welled

mood, he patted my

foolish actions, and I've already dealt with it. If

and to ask Zack to take care of things, but Zack had addressed it

spent together, even though we were not biologically related, had forged

Zack."

me and protecting me, but also for the love and care he had given me over

hand. "Don't do that. It makes me feel like... you're planning to sever

and Bree will

Brandon to treat you well. If he doesn't, I'll make his

was the first time the gentle and elegant Zack threatened someone. I smiled as well. "I'll definitely remind

patted my head again. "Maddie, no matter your decision, I only have one wish, and

be happy."