Love's Redemption

Redmption 33

As I lay on the hard bed, my mind was a chaotic mess. I couldn’t sleep.

In the end, I picked up my phone and opened Instagram, seeing messages. from Kara and Gordon.

Kara had texted, “Maddie, today was hectic, but I’ve finished all the tasks you’ve assigned. You owe me a wedding favor as a reward. Congratulations on your marriage. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.”

Reading this message, I smiled wryly but didn’t reply.

I then opened Gordon’s message. “Ms. Crown, don’t misunderstand Mr. Gildon. Please don’t bring up any issues with him, or I’ll be in big trouble.

I ignored that message too and decided to post an Instagram story. I found a picture of the amusement park shadow I had taken. I then posted it with at caption, “Happy annual leave!”

After posting, I deleted every post related to Chris.

My actions resembled those of celebrities after a divorce.

We were no longer a couple and would never be lovers. So, it was best to clear away all traces of love, sparing myself and others from disgust.

By the time I finished, it was 3:00 am, and my eyes were sore. I tossed my phone aside and closed my eyes.

Just then, I heard footsteps outside, passing my door. Then, there was the sound of a door opening and closing. I knew Brandon had returned.

Despite sleeping late, I woke up early due to the noise outside. My eyelids felt heavy, making it hard for me to open them. So, I stayed in bed even though I was awake.

“Brandon, can you come back early tonight? I want to invite the new tenant for dinner,” Kelly’s voice made me smile even though I was half–asleep.

She was so enthusiastic and even wanted to invite me for dinner. It felt nice, like being back home.

“I won’t be back. You two can eat without me.” Brandon’s voice was as stern as

As I lay on the hard bed, my mind was a chaotic mess. I couldn’t sleep.

In the end, I picked up my phone and opened Instagram, seeing messages

from Kara and Gordon.

Kara had texted, “Maddie, today was hectic, but I’ve finished all the tasks you’ve assigned. You owe me a wedding favor as a reward. Congratulations on your marriage. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.”

Reading this message, I smiled wryly but didn’t reply.

I then opened Gordon’s message. “Ms. Crown, don’t misunderstand Mr. Gildon. Please don’t bring up any issues with him, or I’ll be in big trouble.

I ignored that message too and decided to post an Instagram story. I found a -picture of the amusement park shadow I had taken. I then posted it with a

caption, “Happy annual leave!”

After posting, I deleted every post related to Chris.

My actions resembled those of celebrities after a divorce.

We were no longer a couple and would never be lovers. So, it was best to clear away all traces of love, sparing myself and others from disgust.

I

By the time I finished, it was 3:00 am, and my eyes were sore. I tossed my phone aside and closed my eyes.

Just then, I heard footsteps outside, passing my door. Then, there was the sound of a door opening and closing. I knew Brandon had returned.

Despite sleeping late, I woke up early due to the noise outside. My eyelids felt. heavy, making it hard for me to open them. So, I stayed in bed even though I

was awake.

“Brandon, can you come back early tonight? I want to invite the new tenant for dinner,” Kelly’s voice made me smile even though I was half–asleep.

She was so enthusiastic and even wanted to invite me for dinner. It felt nice, like being back home.

“I won’t be back. You two can eat without me.” Brandon’s voice was as stern ast

his demeanor.

How boring. If any woman liked this man she must have a masochistic streak. I silently criticized Brandon in my heart.

After two encounters, it was clear he hit all my red flags. I didn’t like him.

After Brandon left, I got up. I was still in my pajamas and lazily pushed the door. The courtyard was bathed in sunlight, which filtered through the leaves, scattering golden flecks everywhere.

“Maddie, you’re awake. I just boiled some sweet potatoes. Do you want some?” Kelly held a bowl of sweet potatoes.

I liked such down–to–earth things and didn’t refuse. I said, “Sure.”

“Come over and eat,” she invited, already seated at the table under the honey

locust tree.

At that moment, I felt like I was seeing my parents and my childhood again. Suddenly, my eyes welled up with tears.

“Mrs. Rhodes, I was actually born in this courtyard,” I said, eating the sweet potato and sharing my parents‘ and my own story.

Kelly nodded enthusiastically, clearly moved. “You’re Ethan Crown’s daughter? How wonderful! Why didn’t you say so yesterday?”

I

was touched. “I was afraid that you’d have other thoughts and not let me stay.”

“Nonsense. When I bought this house from your parents, it was a clear deal. I have nothing to fear,” she said, looking at me,

“You look just like your mother. You’re so beautiful.”

My memory of my mom had become blurry now, but I remembered that she was indeed beautiful.

“Maddie, you came here alone, so you must be single. How about I play

matchmaker and set you up with Brandon?” Kelly’s words made me choke.