Frankly, Max hadn’t confessed knowing that she would reciprocate his feelings. He had lost his temper after hearing Jubelian slander the crown prince—him. The frustration that had built inside him had finally burst out. Still, since she still hated the crown prince, it meant that she had not made the connection that it was his hidden identity.
It seemed like forever that Max had been watching the lady’s reflection on the window. Realizing that she was drifting to sleep, he sighed. Did she not feel even a little tense in front of him? Turning around, Max watched her head bob up and down for another moment before moving next to her and setting her head on his shoulder.
“I’m just doing this so you won’t fall forward,” he said to the peacefully sleeping lady, his crimson eyes glued to her face.
She had long eyelashes, a sharp nose, and cherry lips. Suddenly feeling parched, Max swallowed dryly. Just then, Jubelian jerked in her sleep—rubbing her forearm against his. Soon, Max admitted quietly, “I guess it’s actually because of my indecent desires.”
***
“Jubelian.”
I jumped awake at the voice calling my name. Had I been nodding off until now? I couldn’t believe it—no matter how tired I was, how could I drift to sleep in front of someone who had just confessed to me? I was embarrassed until I noticed that I had slept comfortably leaning against his shoulder! My God, how worse could I get? And when did he move next to me?
Ashamed and startled, I leaped away from Max. He slightly furrowed his eyebrows and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Oh, i-it’s nothing. I was just… a little surprised. That’s all.”
“Good thing you’re awake now. We’re here, so let’s get off,” he changed the subject, eyeing me coldly. His expression led me to wonder if everything I was remembering had been a dream. “Here,” he reached his hand out to me.
“Oh, thank you.” I took his hand without much thought then jumped when he locked his fingers with mine. “H-hey! Your hand…”
Max looked at our clasped hands in response but turned his attention forward immediately. I followed suit only to realize my father was standing nearby. It was a rare sight to have him come out to meet me. I was wondering why he was doing such a thing when Max reminded me of something.
“You haven’t forgotten about our contract, have you?”
I realized we were still bonded under a mutual agreement. “Oh, o-of course not. We’ll act friendly since my father is right there!” I felt a little embarrassed because it felt like I was the only one stirred by his confession. Max was acting as usual.
Just then, he turned to face me. I could see his crimson eyes slightly trembling. His face was a little pinker than usual, and he gently patted our clasped fingers. He, however, soon avoided my eyes to face the front again. “Let’s go,” he said.
Knowing that someone cared about me was a strange feeling. But the warmth did not last long, for I was faced with the cruel reality once I saw my father. As I proceeded toward him with Max next to me, my father watched without a word. His expression was colder than usual, which was making me tense up with every minute that passed. Given my poor appearance, he was bound to interrogate me.
“Did anything happen at the marquis’ estate?” He demanded when we approached.
Initially, I was planning to tell him the truth. Given his abilities, he was going to find out about the incident even if the marchioness tried to put a blanket over it. But now, I was afraid of how he might react and couldn’t say anything. I was rummaging through my brain for an idea when Max carefully stroked my hand and held it tightly. I was embarrassed by his gesture, but for some reason, I felt empowered as I had become during my argument with Mikhail.
Besides, what was going to happen? What had been done was already done, and my father couldn’t kick me out as I was not of age yet. Feeling relaxed, I took a deep breath and admitted, “Yes. In fact, I completely screwed up the place.”
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