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.

the kiss, Maxwell reluctantly released Mona, his fingers brushing against the corners of her mouth as he pulled

go

pause, stepping toward

tossing and turning a few times, her face flushed all the way to her ears. She couldn't believe that just a kiss from Maxwell

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. "Who is it?" Albert shapped, still fuming from

"It's me,

Maxwell' 'Despite

all, as Mona said, Albert was still just a kid. "Come

Albert's age, he had acted similarly, often bullying Mona and pulling her pigtails.

that Albert was venting his frustrations through

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

he wants to send me

for that reason. He just wants you to 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

who can accompany you throughout your life is yourself. I don't know much about you, just what I've heard from Mona. Poor grades, skipping class, getting into fights, and being obsessed with video games. What do you think you can achieve in the

flushed with embarrassment. "I have plenty of money. Even if I don't work in

"Sure,

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. You're a man. . It's just a few years in

declared defiantly in response

not afraid. I'll go tell Grandpa you're willing to train in the military for two

and liurriedly grabbed his arm. "I'm just saying I'm afraid; I didn't say I wanted to go

"If you're not afraid, then why

grip was firm, causing Albert to wince in pain. "Let go of me! I'm going

not