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.

reaction, Maxwell felt relieved.

up her desk before leaving the room with Maxwell. They stopped by Albert's room to call him, and the three of

In front of Mona's grandparents, Maxwell openly

felt a moment of surprise as she looked at the food piled on her plate. Maxwell had never served

her curiosity, Mona thanked Maxwell and began eating. After all, it was a gesture from him, and she appreciated it. The taste was familiar, and with just one bite, Mona realized it was Maxwell's cooking. It

the Clem family residence. Once they finished eating....ey returned to their

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Chapter 40

usual, Mona took a shower first, followed by

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

frustration, letting out a sigh as she stared at it

Who's upset you?" Maxwell asked, glancing at her phone, which displayed a game over

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

+5

worried about him

convenience, she might have sought

for her. She hesitated to act too familiarly, fearing it might

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

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

played this game

his head honestly. "No,

the start button and began a new

concern and curiosity, worried that he might meet the same quick defeat she had

her surprise, Maxwell's character remained unscathed, with

disheartened. How could they both be playing for the first time, yet have such different