Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I froze, staring at him in shock.

Brandon's father was the driver. If there were an issue with the brakes, it would be his responsibility.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. We just stood there, looking at each other.

After a while, Brandon's hand on my shoulder moved slightly. "My father was the driver. If the brakes failed, whether it was due to human error or a mechanical issue, he's responsible."

A chill ran through me, not from the weather but from the emotions swirling inside me.

If things between Brandon and I hadn't progressed to this point, it would have been easy for me to hold his father accountable. Now that Brandon was the closest person to me, I had no idea how to handle it if h responsible for the accident.

"Mae, you know I've been investigating my father's death. This is connected. Once I uncover the truth, I'll give you a clear answer," Brandon

said with unwavering sincerity, not once faltering even though it involved his father.

I knew Brandon was straightforward, and he would follow through on his word. However, I'm terrified of what his answer would be if it turned out his father was involved.

never expected things to come to this. Yet, I couldn't ignore the truth about my parents' accident just because of my feelings for him.

Brandon said he would investigate and that he was also looking into Arthur. However, Arthur already told me everything.

My mind started to spiral again...

Sensing my turmoil, Brandon placed his hand on the back of my neck, gently pressing down. "Mae, don't overthink it. Things might not be as bad as we fear." He understood that if the worst came to pass, it could devastate us

I started trembling even more, feeling like I was about to collapse, so I buried myself in his embrace. I didn't speak, but deep inside, I was praying.

Please, let it not be that. Brandon had become my rock.

Brandon held me for a long time until my emotions finally settled, and then he took me back inside.

Ellie had returned before us. When she saw us holding hands, she beamed and said, "Mae, I made some mushroom soup. Come and try it!" Brandon looked at me first. "You should try it. Ellie's mushroom soup is really good."

"I stole my brother's recipe and made some improvements," Ellie said proudly.

Brandon was an excellent cook, and Ellie wasn't far behind. After all, she had been living on her own, so taking care of herself was essential.

I sat down and took a sip of the soup. It was warm and comforting. After being out in the cold and going through such emotional turmoil, it was exactly what I needed. Brandon also sat down to eat, but neither of us spoke. Only Ellie kept talking.

After a while, Ellie put down her bowl and went outside. Then she called out, "Bran, come help me with something!"

I continued drinking my soup, but I could hear faintly the hushed conversation between the siblings outside.

“Bran, did you and Mae have a fight? She seems really upset."

"No, we didn't. She's probably just tired," he said.

"Really? You're not lying to me?" she asked again.

"No, I'm not."

"Bran, Mae's such a good person. Don't ever make her unhappy, and don't make yourself miserable eitt "Ellie sighed as she said this. Brandon let out a soft laugh. "Don't worry, I won't."

"Bran, I just want to see you both happy. When you're not, I get anxious." Ellie's words made my hand tremble as I held the bowl. How could I forget that my emotions affect those around me?