Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

As I heard what Conrad said, images of Chris during our school days flashed before my eyes. He was reckless and carefree. Back then, he truly was without a worry in the world.

I once thought he would always be that way, but somewhere along the line, he changed, and now we have reached this point.

Perhaps this was why they said the future was unpredictable.

"Chris also asked me to care for our parents... and you." Conrad's voice grew more somber. "He even said that when you get married, he wants me to let him know so he can personally give you his blessings." My chest tightened at these words, and a su

of frustration welled up inside me. Chris had caused such a mess, making everyone worry as if he were in some desperate situation, only for it to turn out that he just wanted to run off and hide somewhere. "So it's not really a farewell message after all," I said, my tone dripping with bitterness.

On the other end, Conrad quietly responded, "Maybe he has his own reasons, things we don't understand."

I let out a sarcastic laugh. "He has a wife and a child, and his career is soaring. What possible hardship or despair could he be facing? Is he indulging in some melodramatic, self-pitying fantasy?"

"Maddie, you're still angry at him, aren't you?" Conrad assumed my sarcasm was born out of lingering resentment toward Chris.

"No." I corrected him. "When I decided to cut ties with him, I let go of feeling both love and hate for him."

a few seconds before he said, "Letting go of love and hate isn't

of what Brandon had once analyzed for me. It also brought to mind Conrad's restrained yet deep feelings for

those feelings for me, but

are you planning to

the lid and

He seemed unsure of

clarified, "Chris has gone off who,

to do about it?"

is leaving everything to you. What are

care of our parents and you. As for the company... I'll manage things until he returns."

achievements. It was only natural for someone as capable as him to be ambitious. How could someone like

the company by Zack? Even if he comes back, he might not have a place there," 1

wise person, so I'm sure he understood the implication. I wasn't afraid if he did. If it weren't for the affection he had shown me all these years, I would've said it to his

wasn't wrong. He had picked