Redmption 26


    “Maddie, I’ve prepared a very special celebratory dinner for you two. I’ve even invited friends and


    family. You muste back by six tonight,” Bree said, catching me off guard.


    I hadn’t expected that she didn’t know we hadn’t gotten the marriage certificate. It seemed that


    Chris hadn’t told her. Considering their attitudest night; Chris was probably afraid of being


    scolded.


    Hearing the joy and anticipation in Bree’s voice, I felt reluctant to break the news. But the fact that


    Chris and I couldn’t get the marriage certificate was already a settled matter. It couldn’t be hidden


    for long.


    Besides, it couldn’t be hidden even now. If the friends and family Bree invited all showed up, it


    would be even more embarrassing for Bree.


    “Bree…” I called her.


    “Why are you still calling my name? You should be calling me ‘mom‘ now. Is it because I didn’t pay


    you to change my stance?” Bree teased.


    My heart, which had been feeling numb, suddenly felt heavy. “Bree, I’m sorry. I… I may never have


    the right to call you ‘mom‘ any longer.”


    Truth be told, there were many times that I had wanted to call Bree “mom” over the past ten years. I


    never thought that this wish would nevere true.


    “What… What do you mean?” Bree couldn’t seem to catch the message.


    “Maddie, are you notfortable with calling me ‘mom?‘ If so, then don’t. You can just call me


    ‘Bree.“”


    “We didn’t get the marriage certificate, and we never will…” I interrupted her.


    “What?” Bree was shocked.


    “What happened? What’s going on? Maddie…”


    “Bree, we broke up.” After saying this, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. It was as if the burden


    had been lifted off my shoulders.


    Bree was silent for a long time. I began to worry she might not be able to bear the disappointment.


    Over the years, she had treated me like her daughter. And I knew how much she had hoped for me


    to be a real member of her family.


    When I left this morning, she looked so happy. She waited for me toe back and call her


    “mom“.


    I swallowed my unease and nervousness, calling cautiously, “Bree…”


    “Maddie… why?” Bree’s voice was heavy with sadness.


    A mess of thoughts shed through my mind. Finally, I said, “Bree, Chris and I aren’t suitable for


    each other.”


    I didn’t mention Chris‘ dirty deeds. It wasn’t something to be proud of. I disdainpeting for a man


    with another woman. But the fact was I lost to another woman, and a widow of that.


    “How are you not suitable? You’ve been together for so many years. You know each other inside


    and out. You love him, and he cares about you. How can you suddenly not be suitable?” Bree


    mumbled in disbelief.


    Hearing her like this, my heart felt as if it was being crushed. “Bree…”


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    “I’ll call Chris and ask. It must be something he did to let you down,” Bree said before hanging up.


    My nose tingled with emotion. What she said was true.


    Lisa held my hand. I looked at her, smiling.


    In Lisa’s bright eyes, I saw how broken my smile was. On the surface, I showed no sadness or pain.


    But my eyes betrayed my heart.


    Bree called again, but I didn’t answer because I knew what she wanted to say. She must want me


    to go to the Gildon estate.


    But I didn’t want to go. Bree and Zack would try to persuade and coax me if I went there.


    My mind was made up, so there was no need to listen to their pleas. It would waste their efforts and


    drain my emotions