Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

When Brandon and I got out of the car, Ellie was lounging on a rocking chair in the yard, engrossed in a book. The breeze slightly lifted the hem of her skirt, creating a scene so dreamlike it felt almost unreal. Ellie was so absorbed in her reading that she didn't notice our car pulling up at the gate until Cameron called, "Ellie, guess who's here?"

"Cam, your car sounds like a tractor. I don't need to look to know it's you."

Ellie's remark made me stifle a laugh.

Cameron seemed a bit embarrassed and scratched his head. "It's not just me. There's someone else

here, too."

Ellie calmly turned a page, continuing to read without even acknowledging Cameron. He looked like he wanted to say more, but I shook my head and walked over.

Standing behind Ellie, I glanced at the book in her hands and smiled. "Haven't you read this book before?"

The last time I was here, this same book was on Ellie's nightstand. It was a classic romance novel.

Ellie froze, then quickly turned around. When she saw me, her eyes lit up with joy. "Mae!"

I smiled as she jumped to her feet.

However, the moment she spotted Brandon behind me, she instantly dropped the book and ran straight to him. "Bran!"

understood why he was so good at

book Ellie had been reading-it was "Romero and Julia" by famous author Terence

had been read more than once. As

so captivating to a young girl

second page, Ellie said, "Mae,

out, trying to take

Does this book hold

it's just that you and my brother are already in love,

teased, "Oh, this is

pouted, her cheeks turning

and have a

lotus tea-what a

smoked sea bass you always make." Ellie didn't

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said, making it clear that he wasn't forgetting

my brother give it to you? It looks so familiar." Ellie noticed

the Howell family," I said, glancing over at Brandon, who was already