Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

They had a peaceful meal because Stephen didn't show even a hint of being a boss.

Brandon only spoke occasionally to serve me food or ask if I wanted water. He acted so aloof, and it was as if he were the boss.

After the meal, Stephen quietly left in a low-profile Maybach.

Xander, having had some drinks, called for a designated driver.

While waiting for the driver, Xander draped his arm over Brandon's shoulder and asked, "Bran, how was it? Are you satisfied with today's meeting?"

Brandon shrugged off his hand. "You've had too much to drink."

"Not that much. I know you're worried I'll say something I shouldn't, but don't worry, I'm in control." Xander raised his hand again to pat Brandon on the shoulder.

This time, Brandon grabbed his wrist. "Mr. Roulder, I don't like people patting me on the shoulder. It's best if you avoid doing it to others too. There's a saying in mysticism that everyone's shoulders carry their fortune. A pat like that might just knock someone's good luck away. Got it?"

I almost laughed. I didn't expect Brandon to care about such things.

Xander was taken aback but then laughed. "Bran, when did you become such a nag? I remember you used to..."

"Your ride's here," Brandon cut him off just as the driver arrived.

Before the driver could ask anything, Brandon spoke up. "It's his car. He called you."

Then, Brandon put his arm around my shoulders. "Let's go."

Why are you leaving?" Xander called after us, but Brandon didn't

the car, and I

wrong?" Brandon noticed something was off

against the car and looked at Brandon. "Do you think Mr. Stephen, whom we met today, seems like the big

Do

seem like it as much as you do." I stared into his

Brandon replied. Then he added, "Mae, you can't judge a book by its

his face. "Yeah. You look like a domineering CEO from a romance novel, but you're not."

you. Men with a clean background, simple and handsome. That makes me feel

that night, but my

one day I had money, Mae, would you

Howell, when did you

even afford Ellie's surgery and tried to comfort him. "Safety

pinned my hand against the car and slowly

drunk some alcohol that night. The faint odor of alcohol on his breath, mixed with the night

car door as I

at my lips. I knew he wanted to

looked at his lips. The traces of my previous kiss and the red lipstick had long since faded on his lips. Still,

a hum in

do you just hum in reply? What does

to put it on me." Brandon brushed

me?" I asked as my hand moved up to touch