Love's Redemption

Redmption 311

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When Brandon and I got out of the car, Ellie was lounging on a rocking chair in the yard, engrossed in a book. The breeze slightly lifted the hem of her skirt, creating a scene so dreamlike it felt almost unreal.

Ellie was so absorbed in her reading that she didn't notice our car pulling up at the gate until Cameron called, "Ellie, guess who's here?"

"Cam, your car sounds like a tractor. I don't need to look to know it's you."

Ellie's remark made me stifle a laugh.

Cameron seemed a bit embarrassed and scratched his head. “It's not just me. There's someone else

here, too."

Ellie calmly turned a page, continuing to read without even

acknowledging Cameron. He looked like he wanted to say more, but I shook my head and walked over. Standing behind Ellie, I glanced at the book in her hands and smiled. "Haven't you read this book before?" The last time I was here, this same book was on Ellie's nightstand. It was a classic romance novel.

Ellie froze, then quickly turned around. When she saw me, her eyes lit up with joy. "Mae!"

I smiled as she jumped to her feet.

However, the moment she spotted Brandon behind me, she instantly dropped the book and ran straight to him. “Bran!"

I watched as the siblings embraced, Brandon gently patting the back of her head. Suddenly, I understood why he was so good at taking care of me. It

Not wanting to intrude on their moment, I picked up the book Ellie had been reading-it was "Romero and Julia" by

famous author Terence Shakeswright.

The yellowed pages and worn edges indicated that this book had been read more

than once. As someone who never had much interest in romance novels, I suddenly found myself curious about what made this one so captivating to a young girl like Ellie.

However, just as I turned to the second page, Ellie said, "Mae, you can't read this book."

She reached out, trying to take it from me.

I chuckled. “Why? Does this book hold some secret?"

Ellie's face flushed slightly. "No, it's just that you and my brother are already in love, so this kind of novel isn't really for you anymore."

Seeing her shy expression, I teased, "Oh, this is a textbook for a rookie in love like you?"

"Mae." Ellie pouted, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red.

I decided to stop teasing her and handed the book back. Just then Brandon came over and took my hand "Let's go inside and have a drink."

им

Once inside, Brandon effortlessly prepared tea for me, but Ellie quickly stopped him. "Brandon, I'll make Mae some crimson lotus tea."

Crimson lotus tea-what a treat!

"Bran, I want to eat the delicious smoked sea bass you always make." Ellie didn't hesitate to ask.

“Alright, I'll make it for you and Mae," Brandon said, making it clear that he wasn't forgetting about his girlfriend just because his sister was around. "Mae, the ring you're wearing... Did my brother give it to you? It looks so familiar." Ellie noticed the ring Brandon had given me.

"It's a family heirloom from the Howell family," I said, glancing over at Brandon, who was already busy. preparing dinner. The sun set late in this part of the world, and by the time we finished dinner, it was completely dark.

Ellie was thrilled when she found out, we were there to take her with us, and she started packing her things that very night. “Mae, did I forget anything?” Ellie asked after packing up.

I looked at her overflowing suitcase. “I don't think so, and even if you did, we can always buy whatever's missing."

“Buying things is a waste of money, and everything where you live is so expensive." Ellie's words revealed her thrifty nature.

It made my heart ache a little.

The girls her age that I knew were always indulging in expensive beverages desserts, and shopping sprées. None of them knew how to live as frugally as she did. It was true that children from disadvantaged family backgrounds matured faster.

"No worries, your brother and I earn plenty of money." I tried to comfort her.

Ellie didn't respond, and I knew she had her principles.

"Mae, there's something I want to ask you." Ellie suddenly looked at me with a serious expression.