Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie) novel Chapter 3

I pondered this question all day long. I still didn't have an answer when he came to get me in the afternoon. Despite that, I followed him anyway.

Habit sure was a scary thing. Ten years was what it took to make me accustomed to both him and going back to Gildon Estate after work.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Chris probably sensed my low spirits on the way back and took the initiative to ask.

I was silent for a few seconds before I mentioned, "Chris, maybe we should—"

Before I could finish my sentence, his phone rang. The car display showed an unlisted number, but I clearly saw Chris' grip on the steering wheel tighten.

He was nervous, which was rare.

Instinctively, I looked at his face, but he quickly turned off the car's speaker and switched to Bluetooth. "Hello… Okay, I'm on my way now."

The call was short.

After the call ended, he looked at me and said, "Maddie, I have an urgent matter to deal with. I can't take you home."

Even before he spoke, I knew he was going to leave me behind. It wasn't the first time. But before he said anything, I still hoped he would take me home first.

A sudden pain hit my heart, but I suppressed my sadness. "Is something wrong?"

Chris' jaw tightened. He didn't answer and instead looked out the window. "Get off in front, and take a taxi home."

He didn't even want to give an explanation. What more could I say when he had already made arrangements?

I would only embarrass myself if I asked questions or made a fuss.

"Text me when you get home," Chris instructed as he pulled over to a temporary parking spot by the road.

My grip on my backpack was firm when I got out of the car.

It wasn't just my imagination. Judging from his reaction to the incoming call and how he didn't dare to answer it on speakerphone where I could hear the conversation, I already had a hunch.

But I had chosen not to ask or say anything.

Some things were just like a thin layer of paper over a hole. It was left there for me to keep deceiving myself.

"Be careful on the way!" he hurriedly reminded me before he left. Then, he stepped on the accelerator and left.

I stood there, watching the direction he left until my eyes grew sore, and then I lowered my gaze to my toes.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a call from my best friend, Lisa Carline.