Love's Redemption

"Zack's birthday is just around the corner. You'll be there, right?"

Bree's question caught me off guard. It was only then that I remembered that Zack's birthday was approaching.

But even without her reminder, I wouldn't have forgotten. I meticulously noted every Gildon family member's birthday.

As I was living with them, I made sure to prepare well in advance to keep everyone happy.

While I wasn't exactly dependent on them, I trod carefully. I was always eager to please them to avoid any hint of disapproval.

My thoughts wandered, and I failed to answer Bree immediately.

"Maddie, you know we've treated you as your own daughter. Over the years, Zack has cherished your gifts and well wishes on every birthday. If you miss this one, Zack will be heartbroken," Bree continued.

I hadn't planned on attending, but I would give him gifts as usual.

But now, Bree's hint had left me speechless. With Chris acting strangely lately, would he attempt something bold, like carrying me off, if I agreed to go?

But I knew Bree would convince me with even more arguments if I declined.

"Bree, I'll definitely be there," I coaxed her.

"That's a relief. I was really worried you might not come, and Zack's birthday wouldn't be the same without you," she added.

Her words were pressuring me.

I remained silent, but Bree continued, "Zack and I have already given Chris a talk for his terrible behavior. Has he bothered you again?"

I was amused. It seemed they were unaware of Chris' recent antics. But were they genuinely clueless, or were they pretending not to know? NôvelDrama.Org holds this content.

I didn't want to speculate on their motives maliciously. After all, they had been kind to me.

"No," I replied, choosing not to disclose Chris' recent shenanigans.

Even if I said yes, it would only lead to Bree making plain promises to straighten him out. But Chris was stubborn, and no one could have stopped him.

Even Bree's scolding wouldn't rein him in. If anyone could calm him, it had to be me.

But now, getting Brandon to pose as my boyfriend wasn't an option.

"Maddie, if Chris pesters you or does something outrageous, just give me a call," Bree offered her unwavering support.

"Okay," I agreed.

"Maddie, did you call because you need something?" Bree, in her 50s and clear-headed, redirected her focus to me.

I glanced at the wilted flowers in my hand.

"Bree, do my mom and dad like daisies?" I asked.

"Daisies?" Bree repeated before asking, "Maddie, are you planning to visit your parents? When are you going? Let Zack and me know. It's been ages since we visited. So, we could make a trip together."

Bree's words confirmed my suspicion. These daisies weren't from them.

I held the flowers tightly and confessed, "Bree, I'm at the cemetery right now."

"Oh, you're there?" Bree sounded regretful. "Zack and I were just talking about waiting until you had time to go together."

What a coincidence! But as they said, 99% of coincidences were actually intentional choices.

Maybe Bree was simply following my lead.

"Bree, do any of my parents' old friends still remember them or might have visited them?" I inquired directly.

Bree hesitated briefly before replying, "Maddie, have you run into someone familiar? Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"

"There's a bunch of daisies by my mom's and dad's graves. I thought someone might have come to pay their respects," I explained truthfully.