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."

I thought he was going to say something, but in

sighed. "Maddie, go downstairs

wanted to go downstairs with me but

along now." Zack waved his

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

but his sincerity left me unsure if he was

made my way downstairs. I

Bree would make things difficult for Brandon. But

possibly have said to make Bree, who had reservations toward him,

walked down curiously and heard Bree say, "Such a 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

her and one of my sons, either Chris or Conrad. But Conrad

had learned why they chose Chris and

her mother said that, Maddie immediately declared she wanted to marry Chris. She wasn't shy

Chapter 162

all!" Bree chuckled.

212

had made her laugh, but rather her own nostalgic musings. She was probably telling Brandon

others 'brother' and asking them