Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie) novel Chapter 8

"Maddie, Mr. Gildon would like to speak for you." Kara Spraggins, who had come with me, held out the phone.

I had underestimated Chris' persistence. In this situation, I had no choice but to take the phone. I spoke very formally. "Mr. Gildon, what can I do for you?"

"Maddie." Chris' hoarse voice was filled with guilt. "Why did you leave so early today? I came home but couldn't give you a lift."

Realizing he wasn't talking about work, I walked a bit further away. "I went out for breakfast."

"I'm sorry. I couldn't leave last night. That's why I didn't come home."

My heart grew cold, a sarcastic smirk on my lips. "Why couldn't you leave?"

When he didn't answer me, I held my breath and gave him an out. "Couldn't find a nurse?"

He said hesitantly, "Yes."

I didn't say anything more.

Chris continued, "Maddie, when will you be done? I'll come pick you up, and we can have lunch together."

We hadn't had lunch together in a long time.

According to what Yerick said last night, Chris had been spending his time with Jewel.

Was he suddenly asking me out of guilt for leaving me halfway last night, or did he suddenly have a conscience?

I didn't know, and I didn't want to tire my brain cells guessing. I replied indifferently, "I'm not sure. It might not even be finished by noon. Besides, don't you have something to do every day at noon now?"

"Maddie." Chris must have caught my sarcasm. He called out my name sternly, only to pause for two seconds before he said, "Don't overthink it."

He left me in bed when we were in the middle of doing it last night. What else could I be overthinking about?

Not wanting to discuss personal matters during working hours, I told him, "I'm busy right now. I'm hanging up if there's nothing else."

He didn't say anything, so I hung up the phone.

Today's fieldwork included discussions between partners and on-site inspections. After finishing the discussions by ten, Kara and I headed to the site.

This was a construction project for an amusement park. I was responsible for overseeing all the projects. Now, 80% of it was complete. I had to check on-site to see if there were any discrepancies between the finished work and the design drawings.

Although the chances of problems were slim since the partners followed the drawings closely, it was still a necessary procedure for me to inspect.

After making my rounds, my feet were swollen, and my toes were aching. I found a place to sit and rest.

Kara must have noticed something was off. "Maddie, are you now feeling well?"

"Yeah, my feet hurt/" I admitted. If I weren't on site, I would have taken off my shoes to give my feet a good rest.

"Oh." Kara looked at my face. "Maddie, do you feel unwell anywhere else?"

Seeing me pause, Kara pointed at her face. "Maddie, your complexion doesn't look good."

It would be weirder if I looked well after barely sleeping last night. Besides, no matter how well a woman put on makeup, it was no use if she was in a bad mood.

"It's probably because I'm getting my period soon." I gave her a random excuse and took out my phone, pretending to handle some messages.

Kara was a chatty girl. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up the pretense if she kept asking questions.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over me. Thinking it was Kara, I didn't pay much attention until I felt warmth on my ankle and saw familiar hands.

Chris had taken off my shoes, placed my foot on his knee, and started massaging it. "Are your shoes not fitting properly?" he asked.

I didn't say anything; my throat felt tight.

He looked up at me. "Are you still mad?" he asked softly.