Love's Redemption

Redmption 53

I drank more than half a glass. “He left early.”

“What?” Lisa sat cross–legged across from me, looking curious.

“I rejected him, so he left. Apparently, he went to work. That’s all.” My words. made Lisa pause.

“He left? Didn’t he try a bit harder?” Lisa shook her head.

“This guy’s determination isn’t strong enough,” she commented.

“He knows when to advance and retreat. He’s not the clingy type,” I said, recalling Brandon’s rough and tough demeanor.

Lisa tilted her head. “If he had tried harder to pursue you, would you have…”

“No.” I interrupted Lisa.

“I wouldn’t use one person to heal the wounds inflicted by another.”

“As expected, no one can easily replace Chris.” Lisa concluded.

I smiled faintly. “Chris agreed to break up with me.”

Lisa was stunned.

I put down the glass and said, “I’m here to take a shower, change clothes, and then go to the Gildon estate. I need to explain things to Chris‘ parents. Then, we’re done for good…”

As I said this, I lowered my head. It wasn’t reluctance or relief. It was an

indescribable mix of emotions.

un

Ten years. What I was giving up wasn’t just my love for Chris. But also my ten years of youth, all my hopes, and all my dreams for love.

Lisa seemed to sense my mood. She stretched her legs to nudge my foot. Break up and move on. Out with the old, in with the new.”

I laughed. “Yes. Out with the old, in with the new.”

With that, I stood up. “I’m going to take a shower.” Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

I turned on the shower. Water sprayed down, and I closed my eyes. The water flowed down my hair, past my forehead, and down my cheeks.

When I arrived at the Gildon estate, it was just after lunch. Bree was tending to the flowers. When she saw me, she immediately put down her shears.

“Maddie, you’re back! I’ve missed you so much. You naughty girl. How could you turn off your phone? You worried me to death.” Bree took my hand, looking both angry and happy.

“Bree, I’m sorry for worrying you. I heard you were ill,” I apologized.

“It’s nothing. It’s not your fault,” Bree said. She pulled me to sit on the couch and urged me to eat the fruit on the table.

I picked a grape and put it in my mouth. “Bree, are you feeling better now?”

“Much better. Seeing you makes everything okay,” Bree said. She held my hand with a smile, making it hard for me to say what I needed to.

But I knew it had to be said sooner or later. “Where’s Zack? Is he not home?”

“He is. He’s in the study,” Bree replied.

She then called out, “Zack, come out. Maddie is back.” Each word from Bree increased the pressure on me. I had a feeling she knew why I was back and was trying to make it harder for me.

Zack came out of the study, wearing reading glasses. Seeing me, he took them off and said, “Have you eaten? If not, Mom can cook for you. We always have your favorite food ready.”

Before I left, Zack had me call Bree “mom“. Now, knowing I wouldn’t marry Chris, he still said this. He was clearly trying to pressure me.

Bree played along. She was about to get up, but I stopped her. Although I knew. what I was about to say would make them sad, it had to be faced eventually. The longer it dragged on, the more uneasy everyone would be.

I took a deep breath and spoke as Zack sat down. “Bree, Zack, I’m here today to

talk about me and Chris‘ situation.”