Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)
Redmption 158

Redmption 158

I didn’t say anything and just listened. I didn’t want to upset Brandon by saying something wrong. Iwas also thinking about my own parents‘ car accident. Was it truly an accident, or something moresinister? I was really young when their accident happened and didn’t know the details. Zack haddealt with everything. Perhaps he was the only one who knew what really happened. I would askhim when I saw him

later.

Seeing that I wasn’t speaking, Brandon remained quiet as well, and we continued in silence.

The Gildons had inputted my car details in the automatic gate recognition system, so I was able todrive straight into their yard.

The housekeeper was in the yard. When she saw us, she greeted me warmly. “Maddie, you’reback! I’ll go inform Mr. and Mrs. Gildon right away.”

“There’s no need, Xena. I’ll head inside myself,” I said with a smile.

Her gaze flickered to Brandon, who had gotten out of the car and walked to my side. I knew shewas curious about his identity, so I held his arm and said, “Xena, this is my boyfriend, Brandon.”

While Xena was a housekeeper, she had spent a longer time with the Gildons than I had. She alsohad a close relationship with Bree. So, it was also necessary to put on a show for her.

Brandon nodded at Zena politely. “Hello, Xena.”

“Hello,” Xena said while looking at me. Her disapproval was evident.

In everyone’s eyes, I was Chris‘ wife, so it was only normal that they felt uneasy seeing me withanother

man,

Xena’s reaction was just the beginning. I had to deal with Zack and Bree’s reactions later.

I walked past Xena and headed toward the main hall while holding Brandon’s arm. Even beforeentering. could hear Bree criticizing Zack “You’re great at being a chairman and managingthousands of employees, yet you can’t even manage your own sons! Both of them are nothing buttroublemakers!”

Zack remained silent. I knew he must be pretending to be deaf again and burying himself in hisphone or a

magazine.

“Zack, are you pretending to be deaf again?” Bree roared in anger.

Even though they loved each other, it didn’t mean that they didn’t argue. Bree must be particularlyupset today. What could have made her so angry?

“I’m not pretending. If I respond, you’ll just nag even more, Zack finally said,

“So now you replace my nagging unbearable? How typical! You men are ungrateful creatures!

“I gave birth to your children and took care of them, and now I’m a nuisance? Zack, you’re ascoundrel! Don’t you dare touch me! Get away!”

When Brandon and I entered the main hall, we saw Bree sitting on Zack’s lap. Zack was holding herfirmly while she protested.

It was a rare display of affection for a couple of their age. Many middle–aged couples fell into aroutine and lived without such intimacy anymore. Even if there was any intimacy, it was likely thatthey were just satisfying each other’s sexual needs.

We froze in the doorway and were unsure whether to enter or retreat. Embarrassment washed overme.

We were pretending to be in a relationship, yet we ran into a scene of genuine affection between amarried couple.

Forget it. It was best to avoid them for now.

Just then, Bree’s dog barked joyously at me to welcome me. I had spent a lot of time with it when Ilived with the Gildons, and it seemed like it hadn’t forgotten me.

The barking drew Zack’s attention, and he looked up. When he saw Brandon and me standing atthe door, his face flushed with embarrassment for a second, and he released Bree.

“You old rascal.” Bree playfully pinched his ear.

Zack took her hand and muttered, “Maddie’s here.”