Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie) novel Chapter 397

"No. I'm saying this so you won't overthink… I just think that you should focus on work and your future with Brandon," Jack continued to deny it.

Speaking was becoming more difficult for him. The nearby nurse stepped forward to intervene, but Zack stopped her with a gesture. She could only say, "Just one more minute."

I knew how serious Zack's condition was. Though I was anxious to know more, I prioritized his health. "Zack, we can talk about this later. You should rest."

But he gripped my hand tightly and refused to let go. "Maddie, promise me."

My heart sank heavily at his words. His insistence only convinced me that the truth about my parents' car accident was hidden.

But I knew he wasn't going to say more, so pressing the topic was pointless.

Seeing how weak Zack was, I could only reassure him. "Okay, I promise."

The anxiety in Zack's eyes finally subsided, but he still didn't release my hand. "Maddie, move on. Remember what I said."

I had just said the same thing to Charles not long ago, but there were things we couldn't move on from.

I realized I needed to look into my parents' death further. Otherwise, how could I have the face to visit their graves?

The nurse reattached the oxygen mask to Zack. His breathing gradually stabilized, and it was clear that the conversation had exhausted him.

He wanted to close his eyes and sleep, but the nurse wouldn't allow it. So I tried to find something to talk to him about, but he just responded with short grunts.

The visit ended, and Zack was allowed to rest properly. I walked out of the room.

Conrad and Bree were no longer there, leaving only Chris standing nearby. He was leaning against the wall with his head lowered, staring at the floor lost in thought.

As I approached, he slowly lifted his head, his eyes meeting mine.

Although we had come over on a plane, I hadn't looked at him directly. In fact, I hadn't looked at him this closely ever since we broke up.

I called out to Chris as he started to walk, "Chris, I left my phone at the hotel."

I hadn't explained to Brandon why I came here. It had been a while, so he was surely worried and anxious.

Chris' eyes darkened slightly. "He called earlier. I explained everything to him."

I didn't feel relieved by his words, and I felt even more uneasy. Chris was my ex, and since I had left with him without telling Brandon, I was afraid that Brandon might overthink.

I wanted to explain everything to Brandon myself, so I demanded, "I want to use your phone."

Chris said nothing, which I took as reluctance. I continued in annoyance, "Chris, you took me away in the middle of the night. My boyfriend must be worried, and I need to let him know that I'm safe."

I reached out to him after I spoke. Chris' Adam's apple bobbed before he walked over to me.

I thought he was about to hand me his phone, but he suddenly leaned down and moved closer toward me instead.