Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 226

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Brandon looked puzzled. "Hmm?”

I stepped closer to him, so close that I could smell the soap from his recent shower. It had a pleasant

scent.

I remembered how, back when my parents were alive, our home always used bar soap for washing hands and bathing. Nowadays, people mostly used hand sanitizer or body wash, and it was rare to even smell the fragrance of bar soap.

"Are you wearing a disguise?" I asked, probing him.

Brandon furrowed his brow and glanced at himself. "How much have you had to drink? You seem off."

I had only had one drink, but he noticed it.

His response made me smirk as I reached out and tugged on his shirt. "Brandon, stop playing dumb. I'm not talking about your clothes. I'm asking if you're hiding something about your identity. Are you extremely wealthy? Maybe even a hidden big boss?"

Brandon's jaw tightened. "I don't understand what you're saying."

He started to step back, trying to distance himself from me.

pretending? Or is this all just an act?" I

close.

just watched me as I

the stairwell, our gazes locked in a silent

where Ellie lived crossed my mind, along with thoughts of her illness and my first impression of Brandon. Eventually, I looked away and chuckled. "You're so

and turned to head back to my room. However, Brandon stopped me and asked, "Did

"No, I had a

playfully added, "I value

a bit as he reached

of soothing a child. I blinked at

Brandon asked, "Why?"

have been very

took my wrist and guided me into his

was so inviting that I found myself following him back

tea for me. I noticed it was in a cartoon cup featuring a cat's head. This was clearly a cup

this? I don't want to use someone else's stuff," I said, both deliberately and as a test. Chapter

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Brandon's words made my

sweetness

future, don't drink alcohol alone. It's not safe," Brandon

with Derick. I told you before that nothing would happen with him around," I