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."

few seconds before he said, "Letting go of love

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

go of those feelings for me,

you planning to do?" I changed the

the lid and

He seemed unsure of what

clarified, "Chris has

to do about it?"

to you. What

not Chris is here, I'll do my best to take care of our parents and you. As for the company... I'll manage things until

school, striving to gain his parents' approval through his achievements. It was only natural for someone as capable as him to

the company by Zack? Even if he comes back, he might not have

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 face. "Maddie," Conrad called me softly.

wasn't wrong. He had picked up on my