Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"I'll have two carbonaras, one with no mushrooms and only the beef slices. I'd also like a mango juice, a glass of plain water, and a blueberry mousse with less cream."

Keith placed the order clearly meant for two people with refined ease.

One of the carbonaras had been altered to Lisa's taste, especially with the detail of the beef slices. It was something that only someone very close to her or who had paid careful attention to her would know. Lisa would never complain about food in front of others. She would just avoid anything with mushrooms.

Keith hadn't seen Lisa for years. They had also just recently confirmed their relationship. Despite that, Keith still remembered her preferences well, showing how thoughtful he was.

Previously, I had mocked their relationship as just a passing fling. But it turned out that Keith was really putting in the effort.

"We should order."

Brandon gave my hand a light squeeze, gently reminding me.

I realized it wasn't the best time to interrupt Lisa and Keith's rare moment together.

Besides, they had chosen a spot so close to the hospital. It was probably because they were too busy to even have a proper date.

It would be rude to interrupt them now.

Brandon and I went to place our order. Given my fever and sore throat, he picked out light and soothing dishes for me.

"Save the dessert for another time. You're still sick. It might make your throat worse."

Brandon was as attentive as Keith. Though he didn't order the desserts, he explained why.

Keith and Lisa were eating quietly without talking. As I glanced over at them, I felt a pang of dissatisfaction. Suddenly, I felt like making a scene. "But what if I really want some?" I asked.

It was alright for a woman to be a bit demanding in a relationship sometimes, as long as it didn't go overboard.

Being loved and indulged was the highest level a woman could aspire to in a relationship.

But seeing Lisa's relationship made me feel bored, like the bland food I was having.

"You can have a little, but not too much."

Surprisingly, Brandon agreed with a condition.

I withdrew my gaze and looked back at him. Seeing that I wasn't

responding, he added, "Be good.ne

Once you're better, you can have as much as you want."

"Brandon," I called out to him. "I was just joking."

Being sick and still craving sweets was just a self-inflicted misery. Such impulsiveness might be something a teenage girl would do, but d outgrown it.

Brandon paused for a moment, then chuckled and lightly brushed my nose with his fingers. "Stinky."

I was surprised to see the waiter serving the desserts.

"Have some," Brandon said, glancing over at Lisa.

"You'll get what others have. And whatever they don't, you'll get that too," he added softly.

Brandon had a serious demeanor. Despite that, his words were as tender as a feather's touch.

I took a bite of the mousse and said to him, "It's really sweet."

This sweetness wasn't from the dessert but from Brandon's care.

"Did you see them? It looks like they barely talked. It's almost like two strangers sharing a table."

Though I was having my meal, my attention was still on Lisa.

Brandon smiled gently.

"You can talk about it with her later."

"I feel like Lisa isn't very proactive. How strange. She's always so outgoing and energetic around me. But in front of someone she likes, she turns into a shy bunny. It's such a contrast," I commented.

"Everyone has different sides to them."

Brandon handed me my juice and gestured to me to take a sip.

I looked at him, who was considerate and attentive.

"Yep, just like you."

On the surface, he appeared to be a tough guy. But with me, he was more gentle, attentive, and understanding than anyone could ever be. "This isn't working. I gotta text her," I said and picked up my phone.