Redmption 236


    Chris said, “You’re despicable.”


    He then grabbed Brandon by the cor. My nerves got to me, and I started to move toward them.


    But then I heard Brandon speak calmly, “Is your idea of despicable that I’m treating Mae with a care


    you never bothered to show her, Mr. Gildon?”


    Chris‘ eyes narrowed. “Brandon, these cheap tricks you use to impress a girl won’t fool Maddie. She


    doesn’t like this kind of fantasy, you know?”


    I thought, “Don’t I? Is it true?”


    I once told Chris that I didn’t. I remember our first Valentine’s Day after we officially became a


    couple. He didn’t get me any gifts, not even a dinner.


    The next day, we happened to have a meal with Derick and a few others. Derick yfully teased


    me, asking how Chris had spent our first Valentine’s Day together.


    Back then, I felt utterly humiliated. Later, Chris apologized, iming he had simply forgotten. I had


    no choice but to y along, pretending I wasn’t into those things.


    But I wondered–what kind of girl wouldn’t like flowers and romance? He just never gave me any.


    “Do you still think she doesn’t like it?” Brandon asked quietly.


    Chris turned to look at me. I didn’t know if he could see the tears on my face, but he had seen them


    earlier. If he had any sense at all, he would know why I was crying.


    The tears weren’t just because Brandon had brought my parents back through technology, allowing


    me to see them again. They were also tears of gratitude, of joy, for how much effort Brandon put


    into this for me.


    Brandon’s love for me showed in the smallest details. Every meal he cooked, the way he quietly


    protected me, even the personalized


    light


    he created–these were all expressions of his love.


    After a long moment, Chris finally looked away. However, his expression


    was still cold as he stared at Brandon. “Maddie loves me. We’ve been


    together for ten years. She would give up her life for me.”


    Brandon remained silent. Chris sneered. “Don’t you believe me? Have you noticed the small scar on


    her left middle finger? That’s the proof.”


    1 instinctively pulled my hand away. So, he remembered the injury I got for


    him.


    But I wondered if he still remembered his promise. His promise to make up for the missing piece


    with a ring.


    No, he didn’t. If he had, he wouldn’t have been involved with a widow


    behind my back.


    “But how have you treated the girl who would risk her life for you?” Brandon countered.


    Chris was taken aback. Brandon’s hand gripped Chris‘ wrist tightly. His voice matched the force in


    his grip.


    “Mr. Gildon, it’s because you didn’t cherish her that I have the chance. Do you understand?”


    With that, Brandon yanked Chris‘ hand away.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    I stepped forward at that moment and said nothing. I just simply linked my arm with Brandon’s. “It’s


    gettingte. Let’s go.”


    Brandon gave me a loving look before following me out. On the way back, I remained silent, and


    Brandon didn’t speak either.


    Even on the stairs, the only sound was our footsteps.


    “Goodnight,” Brandon said as he reached the door and began to open it.


    “Brandon,” I called out to him.


    He turned to look at me. Under the dim light, I moved closer and asked, “Do you really not mind my


    past? Do you really want to be with me?”


    “Isn’t it obvious enough?” he replied softly.


    Indeed, he had already moved across from me and done everything he could. If I still doubted him, it


    would be disrespectful to his efforts.


    “Brandon,” I said again.


    Then, I leaned in, stood on my toes, and kissed him.


    I felt his body tense up, so I wrapped my arm around his waist. I whispered, “Let’s be together!”


    Brandon remained still and didn’t respond.