Love's Redemption

Redmption 197

But I had to find out the truth behind my dad’s death.

I decided to approach Conrad after much deliberation, though I needed a good reason.

While I pondered on that, I received Bree’s call. Her voice was filled with anger. “That rascal, Chris, is trying to drive us to our graves! If he dares to get together with that woman, I will die right in front of him with Zack.”

I wasn’t surprised by her reaction. I tried to soothe her. “Don’t be upset Bree. Parents shouldn’t dictate matters of marriage.”

“We can’t dictate, otherwise we wouldn’t have let things between the two of you get to this point. If he thinks he can marry a widow, he can forget it,” Bree–firmly declared,

It felt oddly depressing, but I didn’t know how to console her. Honestly, I didn’t even want to.

Chris and Jewel owed me an apology, so why should defend them? I wasn’t some kind–hearted saint. I was magnanimous enough not to add insult to injury. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“Maddle, Zack is so mad that he’s staging a hunger strike in protest. Could you come over and talk him out of it? He only listens to you.” Bree finally revealed the true reason for her call.

It seemed the heavens were helping me. Going back to the Gildon family could give me access to the Gildon family car and gather the information I needed without involving Conrad.

I agreed. Bree continued to rant about Chris before hanging up.

Entering the Gildon family home didn’t guarantee access to the car. I still called Conrad to make sure my plan would work

“Maddie,” he greeted me warmly.

“Conrad,” I addressed him respectfully to remind him of our relationship.

I realized how hypocritical and manipulative I was. On one hand, I didn’t want Conrad to have feelings for me, but on the other, I was exploiting those feelings.

“Zack is upset and refuses to eat. Bree wants me to come over, but I’m afraid I can’t handle it alone. Can you come too?”

Conrad hesitated for two seconds before agreeing to it

I could tell he wasn’t surprised. He must have known about it.

When I arrived at the Gildon estate, Conrad was there. He seemed to be waiting for me instead of going

1. in.

“You know my father. No amount of persuasion will likely change his mind,” Conrad reminded me once he

saw me.

I understood, Zack still hoped that I could get back with Chris.

I gave a mocking smile. Conrad didn’t say anything about my reaction.

We entered together. Bree seemed surprised to see us return together, but I ignored her reaction and asked, “Where’s Zack?”

“In the study. He refuses to come out or let anyone in. He spent the whole night there.

“If he didn’t occasionally yell at us, I would’ve suspected he was in there trying to take his life,” Bree spoke

bluntly.

“Mom, Dad isn’t that vulnerable. Stop thinking that,” Conrad replied.

“Bree, let me check on him.” I went upstairs with her nod of approval.

I knocked several times but heard nothing from Inside, Getting worried, I spoke up. “Zack, it’s me, Maddie.” There were finally footsteps. The door opened after a moment, and the sight of the study gave me a fright.