Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 18

I felt touched.

Although I was fostered in this family, Chris' parents treated me with the care and love of my biological parents. They treated me like their own daughter.

I remembered how Chris' brother, Conrad Gildon, joked about how both he and Chris had fallen out of favor since I had arrived in this house.

Lisa was right. I might have broken up with Chris, but it wouldn't be easy for me to break away from the Gildon family.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open. Everyone turned to look at me.

Bree got up and walked over. "Maddie, you're back. We've been waiting for you for dinner."

"Hey, Bree, Zack," I greeted them.

Chris also got up when Zack nudged him. He took the bag from my hand. "Why are you back so late?"

"I was playing pool," I replied. I knew that Derick had probably told him about our meeting, so there was nothing for me to hide.

Chris frowned. "Call me to come along the next time you go."

He didn't like me doing these things, especially without him. Of course, he

didn't want me interacting privately with his friends.

And yet, he was out gallivanting with his dead best friend's wife. He had even given her his vice card, but he hadn't given it to me.

Instead of answering him, I walked toward the bathroom.

Chris followed me, asking, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm fine," I replied, washing my hands and smiling at his reflection in the mirror.

"Madeline, I've already explained everything. Can't you just let it go?"

I looked down upon hearing Chris' words. As I rubbed my fingers, I noticed a small scar on my left middle finger. It was from four years ago when Chris got