The Queen's Back

Chapter 40

Mona blushed at her brother's teasing and said, "It's my first time playing! I'll get better next time."

Albert looked at her, not saying much more.

Afterward, Mona played a couple more rounds. She improved slightly, managing to dodge a punch before being knocked out by a kick, but the game still ended quickly.

Albert shook his head with a hint of amusement.

Mona sighed as she looked at the fallen character on the screen. I'm done for now. You go ahead and play. I'll call you when it's time to eat."

She decided she would practice the game more before trying again, as she felt a bit embarrassed by her performance.

Returning to her room, Mona focused on her real task. She sat at her desk and began-flipping through her college design book.

She couldn't help but admire her past dedication; the pages were filled with detailed notes, some of which she had forgotten writing. As she reviewed her notes, she aimed to refine her design sketches, striving for perfection.

When Maxwell came upstairs to call Mona for dinner, he found her deeply engrossed in her work. She was seated at her desk, pencil in hand, sketching carefully. Occasionally, she would erase a line and redraw it, repeating the process with focused determination. Maxwell watched her for a moment before approaching. When he saw the book she was using, his heart skipped a beat. He remembered discreetly discarding a photo from that book in the past.

He wondered if he should confess to throwing it away if Mona asked, or pretend ignorance. He felt conflicted.

"Hey, Maxwell, you're here! Look at the dress I just redesigned. Doesn't it look better now?" Mona asked with a smile, showing him her latest sketch.

Maxwell glanced at the design and nodded instinctively. "It's much more refined. Have you noticed anything missing?"

He was referring to the photo of Mona and Teddy that he had secretly discarded.

"What do you mean?" Mona asked, her attention still on her design. She hadn't noticed anything missing.

Maxwell felt relieved. "Nothing, just asking. Let's

stopped by Albert's room to call him, and the three of them headed

around the table. In front of Mona's grandparents, Maxwell openly

food piled on her plate. Maxwell had

Mona thanked Maxwell and began eating. After all, it was a gesture from him, and she appreciated

home, they decided to stay at the Clem

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Chapter 40

a shower first, followed by

from the bathroom, Mona was already sitting on the bed, her skin glowing from her

the bed in frustration, letting out a sigh as she stared at it with

upset you?" Maxwell asked, glancing at her phone, which displayed a game

said, "This infuriating game! I'm trying so

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worried about him teasing her. She looked at him with a pleading

they weren't in a marriage of convenience, she might have sought comfort

given their arrangement, Mona was unsure when-or if-Maxwell might develop feelings for her. She

fingers already reaching for her

closer to Maxwell, leaving just a hand's breadth between them. Any slight movement would

this game before?" Mona

his head honestly. "No,

pressed the start button

a mix of concern and curiosity, worried that he might meet the same quick defeat

Maxwell's character remained unscathed,

screen at the end, Mona felt a bit disheartened. How could they both be playing for the first time, yet have such different outcomes? "You're amazing! I got knocked out right away.