Redmption 25


    I sneered.


    Lisa noticed that something was off and asked, “Maddie, did you find out about him and that


    widow?”


    Lisa was truly my best friend. She knew exactly where my bottom liney. “He gave Jewel a house.


    That house was supposed to be mine.” I exined in the briefest terms.


    Lisa was silent for a moment before she ground her teeth. “You…”


    She didn’t finish her sentence, but I knew what she meant. “I won’t give him another chance.”


    Men like these are scumbags. If you forgive him, he’ll just do it again.” Lisa shared the same view


    on love as I did.


    “I know.”


    9


    “Alright. We need to n this carefully. You can take his call and see what he has to say. Then,


    come find me.” Lisa paused for a moment.


    She then continued, “I’ll swap half a shift with someone.”


    I wanted to say it wasno necessary. But Lisa had already hung up the video call. Chris‘ calls were


    persistent. I finally answered his call and said, “Hello…”


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    “What are you doing, Madeline? What’s the meaning of this?” Chris‘ yelling was almost deafening.


    I held the phone away from my ear, listening to his outburst. Once he calmed down, I brought the


    phone back to my ear. “Chris, I agreed in front of your parents yesterday. But that was to give you


    and myself onest chance.”


    “Spare me the nonsense. Where are you? Why didn’t you go to get the marriage certificate today?”


    Chris asked angrily.


    It seemed that Gordon and Jewel hadn’t mentioned my visit to that house today. I didn’t bring it up


    either and just answered his question, “I went to Celestial Church and listened to sermons with Mr.


    Xenos.”


    There was silence on the other end. Chris knew his lie had been exposed.” Madeline, listen to me..


    me…


    11


    “There’s nothing left to exin. You’ve given plenty of exnations, and I’m tired of hearing them.


    It’s over, Chris. We’re done,” I said.


    “Madeline!”


    “Oh, right. I’ve organized all my work and sent it to the respective people’s emails. You have a copy


    too…”


    Before I could finish speaking, Chris interrupted with a roar, “Madeline, what are you doing?”


    “I’m… taking my annual leave.”


    “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” Chris sneered.


    I didn’t respond. But I could faintly hear the sound of him yanking off his tie.” Fine. If you enjoy


    throwing tantrums, keep it up.”


    There was a loud bang on the other end, and the call ended.


    I smiled faintly and looked up at the sky. A bird flew past, free and unrestrained,


    I could be free too. I just needed to leave Chris and the Gildon family, living my own life.


    Although the Gildon family had provided for me for years, I felt like a bird in a cage. I was unable to


    explore the world due to various constraints.


    Starting today, I could fly out and explore the world I yearned for.


    I drove to find Lisa. She skipped work for me. I needed to let her see me so she wouldn’t worry. Lisa


    knew how much I loved Chris. Although I spoke as if everything was fine, she must be afraid I’m not


    coping well.


    “You got here quickly. Did you run red lights all the way?” Lisa teased when she


    saw me.


    “Yes. But you’re worth it.“My words silenced Lisa, and she hugged me.


    I closed my eyes, leaning on her shoulder. “I’m not that fragile, really…”


    It was true. My heart didn’t ache, nor did it feel bitter or stifled. I really felt nothing, as if I had merely


    failed to close a business deal.


    3/3


    Lisa took off her white coat, slung her bag over her shoulder, and got into the car with me. But then


    my phone rang. It was the Gildon family calling.


    Lisa saw it and immediately said, “If you don’t want to answer, then don’t.”


    I thought for a couple of seconds. “I have to face it eventually…”


    With a sigh, I answered the call.