Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 58

"You still have me, kid."

As Conrad spoke, he patted the back of my head gently with his large hand before letting me go.

Even though I was never a crier, I could feel my tears suddenly rushing to my eyes and falling down my face.

I couldn't even stop them if I tried.

I didn't want the tears to actually fall. That would betray me.

I desperately tried to hold my tears in, but they refused to be held back. In fact, they flowed even more heavily the more I tried to stop them. All I could do was look away and refuse to let him see my pathetic display of feelings.

Conrad softly caressed my hair with his large hand. "It's not embarrassing to cry in front of me, remember?"

He had told me that once before."

He was reminding me of that again.

However, that situation was preying on the only bit of dignity I had left. I turned around so my back was facing him and quickly wiped my tears away.

He could probably tell what I was trying to do and picked up my suitcase. "I'll put this in the car for you."

Even though he left, I covered my face with my hands anyway.

I allowed my tears to pour down my face.

When I went downstairs, both Bree and Zack were busy in the kitchen. Their joy at their son's return had outweighed the sorrow of losing their daughter-in-law.

I didn't say goodbye to them. I didn't want them to see my red, swollen eyes, and I didn't want them to try to get me to stay.

Conrad was waiting for me in front of the car while staring off into the distance. He seemed to be thinking of something.

When he saw me, a mild smile tweaked the corners of his mouth. "Do you want

me to fetch you?"

I shook my head and did my best to force out a smile. "You haven't been here in four years. The town has changed a lot. You're going to get lost." His smile widened ever so slightly. "Is that so?"

I looked at my shoes instead of talking to him directly. I didn't want him to see my reddened eyes. "I'm leaving now. I'll buy you dinner some other time."

Conrad didn't say anything as I opened the door and entered the driver's seat. When I started the engine, he suddenly put a hand on the window and asked, "Where are you staying now? Can you tell me?" I tightened my grip on the steering wheel and fell silent.

He smiled bitterly and took his hand off the window. "Drive carefully."

I drove off. The moment the car passed the threshold, I looked at the house growing smaller and smaller behind me in the rearview mirror as my tears. began to pour like rain once again.

Goodbye, my home of ten years.

Goodbye, my love.

Goodbye, me from the past.

I assumed Bree didn't call me because Conrad had talked to her.

I went home, put my suitcase down, and did some unpacking before going to bed.

I slept soundly until the next morning. I opened the window and watched the sunrise as I told myself, "Today is the start of a new day."

After I made that promise with Chris, which was why I would be spending more time at the amusement park from now on. It was also a good way to avoid seeing him.

Kara had also prepared herself for a busy month. After all, it was time for the handover.

"Have you reconfirmed when the representatives will reach tomorrow?" I asked

her.

"Yes, Ms. Crown. One department will arrive tomorrow at 11:00 am while the other will arrive at about 2:00 pm. I've also booked the hotel they will be

staying in, which is the nearest hotel from here." Kara was as vigilant about her job as usual.

"Book another room," I said.

"Are we expecting more people?" Kara asked.