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,

had once analyzed for me. It also brought to mind Conrad's restrained

wanted to ask him if he had let go of those feelings for me, but I couldn't bring myself to

you planning to do?" I changed the

the lid and

seemed unsure of what I

clarified, "Chris has gone off

to do about it?"

leaving everything to you. What

parents and you. As for the company... I'll manage things until he

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

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

If it weren't for the affection he had shown me all these years, I would've said

wasn't wrong. He had picked up on