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.

indifferent reaction, Maxwell felt relieved. "Nothing,

stopped by Albert's room to call him, and the

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

looked at the food piled on her plate. Maxwell had never served her food at home before. Was

a gesture from him, and she appreciated it. The taste was familiar,

they decided to stay at the Clem family residence. Once they finished eating....ey returned

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Chapter 40

took a shower first,

on the

the bed in frustration, letting out a

upset you?" Maxwell asked, glancing at her

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

+5

frustration, she wasn't worried about him teasing her. She looked at him with

convenience, she might have sought comfort

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

try," Maxwell offered, his long fingers already reaching for her phone as he sat

scooted closer to Maxwell, leaving just a hand's breadth between

have you played this game before?"

head honestly. "No, I

he pressed the start button and

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

surprise, Maxwell's character remained unscathed, with the health bar

victory 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. Is there a trick to this game?" Mona asked, looking