Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 298

Conrad came in with a bouquet, his face etched with worry. "What happened to you?"

It seemed inappropriate to remain lying in bed, so I grabbed the bedside rail and heaved myself upright. Conrad hurried over to pin me against the pillows. "No, you don't have to get up."

"I'm fine," I insisted as I tried to sit up. I never felt self-conscious while lying down while Brandon was around, which set him apart from the other men in my life.

Conrad stared at me. "So what happened?"

What was I supposed to tell him? That I went into shock after learning the gravity of my parents' accident?

It wasn't that I didn't know how to explain it to him, but that I didn't want to.

I wondered when I had grown tired of explaining and resorted to giving vague, if not untrue, responses. "Low blood sugar, that's all, I lied. When I caught Conrad's skeptical look, I asked before he could press fu He parted his lips and humored me with a white lie in return. "It's not a big deal."

"Conrad," I bit out. "If there's something you need to tell me, go ahead. Beating around the bush only makes me anxious." once you get

about it

been the straightforward type. It was probably the reason why I couldn't see him as anything but an older brother. He certainly wouldn't be an ideal romantic partner

on your mind, and the secrecy is killing me. It won't do my recovery any good." Exasperation flickered

he continued, "Did you hear that Chris got into a heated argument

Chris earlier today,

with her. My dad gave him a beating to straighten him out and told him they would disown him. He even threatened to kick I

I hadn't heard about the latter half. I had a feeling things would turn out this way when Bree first mentioned she would cast out Jewel, but she

all this?" I asked. Conrad must have a reason for

debating whether to tell me the

for his hesitation. "You want me to

drag you into this mess, Maddie, but my parents listen to you. Besides..." Conrad trailed off, but I knew

of me, right?" I finished his

not what I meant, Maddie," he began

said, "Chris move in. It was one of the reasons why he going to give me that house as a present, but he

him. I told you