NovelEnglishChapter 0078 Maximus looked up from his desk. "Mary... Cin." Her heart sank at the unexpected invitation. She hadn't planned for this. Memories of their last confrontation flashed through her mind, and she hesitated.
Cin," he repeated firmly. "I need to talk to you.
She stepped inside reluctantly, bracing herself for whatever he had to say. Maximus noticed the shift in her demeanor-how her once-joyful eyes were now clouded with anxiety. It unsettled him more than he cared to admit.
"How's your head?” he asked, his tone softer than expected.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Fred has been checking on me. There's no change, but he thinks it's something I've had all my life, so I'm not too worried." "Good," he said, nodding. Then, after a moment's pause, he added, “Mary... I'm sorry. I never wanted things to get this bad." Mary blinked, startled by his words. "Oh... I suppose we both made mistakes. But don't worry. I won't do anything to bother you." Her response struck a nerve, and his mind flashed back to his last argument with Alexia.
"Maximus, divorce her," Alexia had demanded. "You don't love her. She's just your grandmother's whim. Tell them you're incompatible. I thought I could endure this, but being the 'other woman' isn't something I can take anymore. You gaveone month, but next time, how long will it be?" "Alexia, you agreed to this arrangement, remember?" he said defensively.
"Yes, but I can't stand the thought of her being in your house," Alexia snapped. "While I wait for scraps of your time, she's there, playing the dutiful wife." "I try to keep contact with her to a minimum," Maximus replied, his frustration mounting.
"And yet I hate imagining that you might be kind to her. Don't even think of treating her well. She doesn't deserve it." Back in the present, Maximus snapped out of his thoughts. Realizing Mary had already left the study, het followed her to the kitchen, where she was arranging freshly cut roses in a vase.
"All right," he said briskly. "I suppose we can eat." "Just a moment, I'll serve," Mary replied, her voice even.
For sreason, her presence unsettled him tonight. She looked more radiant than usual, though he couldn't pinpoint why. As she moved close to serve his plate, a strange shiver ran through him.
"Enjoy your meal," she said with a polite nod.
1/2 Chapter (079 "Thank you, Mary," he replied, almost reflexively.
Her intrigued glance lingered on him for a moment before she nodded again. "You're welcome." +25 BONUS The weeks passed quickly, and as Christmas approached, Maximus remained at the mansion every night. Though he wasn't affectionate with Mary, his demeanor softened. He was more controlled, and occasionally, he found himself looking forward to seeing her. He couldn't deny that her eyes, once avoided, now seemed to draw him in.
Alexia, frustrated with their last argument, had left for New York without informing Maximus. The silence between them was mutual, but her absence left him irritable.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmA week before Christmas, Mary nervously entered Maximus's study.
"Maximus," she began timidly, "Christmas is coming soon, and was wondering if do could decorate the house: I'd like to buy a small I Christmas tree...” Maximus looked up, his expression unreadable. Her shyness struck him-she had clearly rehearsed this request. He found it oddly endearing.
"So, you want to decorate the house?" he asked, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Well... only if you'll allow it," she replied, twisting her fingers nervously.
"Mary," he said, his smile growing, "you don't need my permission for things like that. This house is yours. You can do whatever you want with it."
Her mouth fell open slightly in shock.
s She had practiced this conversation repeatedly in her room, expecting resistance. His unexpected response left her speechless. *25 BONUS Chapter 0079
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
