Love's Redemption

Redmption 317



As I heard what Conrad said, images of Chris during our school days flashed before my eyes. He was reckless and carefree. Back then, he truly was

I once thought he would always be that way, but somewhere along the line, he changed, and now we have reached this point.

Perhaps this was why they said the future was unpredictable.

"Chris also asked me to care for our parents... and you." Conrad's voice grew more somber. "He even said that when you get married, he wants me to

My chest tightened at these words, and a su

of frustration welled

up inside me. Chris had caused such a mess, making everyone worry as if he were in some desperate situation, only for it to turn out that he just want

"So it's not really a farewell message after all," I said, my tone dripping with bitterness.

On the other end, Conrad quietly responded, "Maybe he has his own reasons, things we don't understand."

I let out a sarcastic laugh. "He has a wife and a child, and his

career is soaring. What possible hardship or despair could he be facing? Is he indulging in some melodramatic, self-pitying fantasy?"

"Maddie, you're still angry at him, aren't you?" Conrad assumed my sarcasm was born out of lingering resentment toward Chris.

"No." I corrected him. "When I decided to cut ties with him, I let go of feeling both love and hate for him."

Conrad was silent for a few seconds before he said, "Letting go of love and hate isn't that easy."

His words reminded me of what Brandon had once analyzed for me. It also brought to mind Conrad's restrained yet deep feelings for me.

I wanted to ask him if he had let go of those feelings for me, but I couldn't bring myself to voice it.

"What are you planning to do?" I changed the subject.

the lid and

"Hmm?" He seemed unsure of what I meant.

I clarified, "Chris has gone off who, WS

to do about it?"

where and is leaving everything to you. What are you planning

Conrad seemed to understand now. "Whether or not Chris is here, I'll do my best to take care of our parents and you. As for the company. I'll manage things until he returns."

Hearing this, I realized Brandon had been right.

Conrad had always excelled in school, striving to gain his parents' approval through his achievements, It was only natural for someone as capable as him to be ambitious. How could someone like that be content with mediocrity?

"But wasn't he kicked out of the company by Zack? Even if he comes back, he might not have a place there," 1 hinted, careful with my words.

Conrad was a wise person, so I'mContent (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

sure he understood the implication. I wasn't afraid if he did. If it weren't for the affection he had shown me

all these years, I would've said it to his face.

"Maddie," Conrad called me softly. "Do you think all this has something to do with me?"

I wasn't wrong. He had picked up on my insinuation.

“Conrad, people get what they deserve,” I said before ending the call.

I didn't know why, but I started to tremble. Even though Conrad and I hadn't argued, my emotions were running high after hanging up.

Just then, a warm jacket was draped over my shoulders. I looked

up to see Brandon standing beside me. I hadn't even noticed when he'd come over.

I started to speak, but Brandon interrupted me. “Let's go home.”

I didn't move, staring at him.

Under my gaze, Brandon swallowed hard.

"The car accident... It was a brake issue," he said.