The Queen's Back

CChapter

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Mona naturally rested her head on Maxwell's shoulder. With him around, she felt reassured no matter the situation. "Alright. I'm trying to think of a way to convince him to join the army. Albert was stubborn and difficult to change once he made up his inind, which was a source of frustration for Mona

Why

don't you let me try talking to him?" Maxwell suggested, looking into Mona's eyes.

"Can you really do it?" It wasn't that she doubted Maxwell's abilities, but rather that Albert was particularly hard to handle. Even when she wanted to improve their relationship, she had to start with Albert's love for video games, let alone convince him to train in the military for a few years, something he would outright refuse.

"I can't guarantee success, but I'd like to give it a shot" Maxwell gently ran his fingers through Mona's hair, making it clear that her worries were also his concerns

"Okay, but tif Albert throws a tantrum, just ignore him and come out, Mona replied. She didn't want Maxwell to endure Albert's bad temper.

Maxwell gazed into Mona's sparkling eyes as if entranced. He gently lifted her chin with his fingers and cautiously kissed her lips. Opportunities for such intimate contact were rare, as neither of them was particularly proactive

In Maxwell's memory, the only time they had shared a longer kiss was in the car, and afterward, they hadn't spoken. Neither had taken the initiative again.

He pressed his lips softly against Mona's, and as she slowly closed her eyes, he dared to move a little closer, lifting her head slightly, their breaths intertwining.

Mona a didn't expect Maxwell to initiate a kiss. Usually, she was the one making the first move. As his soft lips met hers, her heart raced, and she didn't know where to place her hands.

released Mona, his fingers brushing against the corners of her mouth as he pulled her into his embrace. He could hardly control his emotions

go

stepping toward

all the way to her ears. She couldn't believe that just a kiss from Maxwell had such an effect

stood at Albert's door for a moment, calming his emotions, returning to his usual indifferent demeanor as if the passionate person just now wasn't him at all. He knocked lightly on Albert's door.

"It's me,

Maxwell' 'Despite

unkind tone, Maxwell didn't get angry. After all, as Mona said, Albert was still just a kid. "Come

and pulling her pigtails. Reflecting on

venting his frustrations

as the topic was broached, Albert tossed his game controller onto the table in anger. The military? That place is unlivable! You can't

he wants to send me away to avoid

grow up quickly." Maxwell replied "Why do I I need to grow up so fast? I have my grandparents, my dad, and two older sisters. I'm the youngest in the family, so I'm not in a hurry to grow up. The bottom line was that he

life is yourself. I don't know much about you, just what I've heard

words, his face flushed with embarrassment. "I have plenty of money. Even if I don't work in the future. I'll still have enough

"Sure,

takes a long time to learn the right way, but it's easy to learn the wrong way. Your grandpa just wants to straighten you out before before you go down the wrong path.

afraid at all!" Albert declared defiantly in response to Maxwell's challenge What are you afraid

I get it. You're not afraid. I'll go tell Grandpa

provoked and liurriedly grabbed his arm. "I'm just saying I'm afraid; I didn't

his back. "If you're not

Albert to wince in pain. "Let go of me! I'm going to fight you. You took advantage

not