Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 162

Zack halted abruptly. I even felt his body sway.

I reached out to steady him. "Zack..."

He turned to look at me. "Maddie, what prompted this question?"

I recalled what Brandon said, but I couldn't bring myself to tell Zack. I could only make up an excuse. Just curious, that's all."

The smile vanished completely from Zack's face, leaving behind an expression that sent shivers down my spine.

"Maddie, the car accident that your parents were in all those years ago truly was an accident. I was at the scene. There are police reports and assessments to back it up," he said heavily.

I hadn't been there and didn't know the whole situation. I knew Zack stopped me from going because he wanted to protect me. He didn't want me to see how gruesome it had been, but it also became one of my biggest regrets in life.

"Maddie, if you still have any doubts or don't believe me, you can check the records from back then." Zack's face was ashen. The joy on his face from when we were chatting earlier had disappeared completely.

I knew that Zack had a strong bond with my father, not unlike that of real brothers. The mention of my parents' passing probably made him recall how tragic it had all been. It had upset him.

I held his arm. "No need. I believe you. I was just curious, that's all."

at me. I thought he was going to say something, but in

pause, he sighed. "Maddie, go downstairs first.

go downstairs with me but changed his

now."

I left the study, I didn't immediately go downstairs. Instead, I leaned against the

but his sincerity left me unsure if he was

a while, I made my way downstairs. I heard

worried they wouldn't get along or Bree would make things difficult for Brandon. But

could he possibly have said to make Bree, who had reservations

mischievous child. She was only this tall, and whenever she saw me, she wouldn't hesitate to call me 'Mom.' I used to say, 'If only you were my real

one of my sons, either Chris or Conrad. But Conrad was much

learned why they chose Chris

mother said that, Maddie immediately declared she wanted to marry

Chapter 162

all!" Bree chuckled.

212

but rather her own nostalgic musings.

also loves calling others 'brother' and asking them to carry her," Brandon