Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Xander wanted to take me out to dinner. Earlier, when I was getting my blood drawn, Brandon whispered something about it in my ear.

I thought he was just saying it to distract me, so I didn't take it seriously.

"Is that Xander?" Brandon asked, getting right to the point.

"Yeah," I said, looking at him. "Brandon, did you tell Xander to invite me?"

Since Brandon was Xander's boss, it would only take a word from him to make Xander do it.

Brandon frowned a bit. "No."

I smirked, thinking he was just trying to hide it.

"He mentioned it to me earlier," Brandon explained.

But was that really true? I didn't care enough to figure it out.

If someone was offering free food, why not take it? I smiled a little. "I said yes. Are you coming too?"

"Yeah," he replied, just like always. If someone kept track of his words, this one would win.

Then, he added, "I don't like my girlfriend having dinner alone with another guy."

There was Brandon being possessive again.

Ellie glanced between us like a fangirl watching her favorite couple.

"Bran, you're really sweet to Mae," Ellie said, clearly impressed.

Brandon didn't hesitate. "Of course I am."

"Mae," Ellie said, "Bran is more charming than any main character in a book. I didn't expect that."

Ellie probably thought her brother, who was usually quiet and serious, wouldn't be romantic.

"Don't underestimate quiet people. They often have hidden talents," I said, looking at Brandon. "He'd make a great spy with how well he hides things."

Ellie laughed. "How did we go from talking about how sweet Bran is to him being a spy? Mae, what are you talking about?"

She was too young to understand the deeper meaning behind my words.

Brandon lightly tapped Ellie on the head. "You'll be on your own for dinner tonight. What do you want? I'll make it for you."

Ellie was in a special VIP ward I set up for her, where she could have her meals prepared.

"I want fried chicken," Ellie said without hesitation.

"Got it. I'll go pick up some chicken," Brandon said, then looked at me. "It's hot outside, and you're still recovering. You can stay here with Ellie or go find Lisa." "Thanks for being so thoughtful, Mr. Howell. And don't forget to bring us both some milkshakes," I said, seeing Ellie's face lit up.

"Bran, I want a chocolate milkshake," she added eagerly.

I smiled and said, "I'll take a strawberry milkshake."

Ellie's eyes sparkled. "Mae, is that flavor good? Maybe we can share it later."

What she didn't know was that I had ordered the milkshake for her too. After all, I wasn't really into milkshakes myself.

"No problem," I said, then turned to Brandon. "Thanks for doing this, Mr. Howell."

After Brandon left, Ellie leaned over and said, "Mae, it's like your love story with Bran is straight out of a romance novel."

She looked at me with wide, dreamy eyes.

I smiled softly. "But even in those stories, the characters face challenges and tough times."

Ellie shook her head. "No, you and Bran will only have good times. There will be no breakup or sadness."

She reminded me of when I used to dream that Chris and I would have a perfect love story just like in the books-falling in love, getting married, having kids, and growing old together.

Then, Ellie asked, "Mae, is something wrong? Are you and Bran having problems? Did he hurt you?" Her sudden concern was sweet and showed that she really cared.