The Queen's Back

CChapter

☐☐ 92%

76

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.

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

go

pause, stepping

way to her ears. She couldn't believe that just

person just now wasn't him at all. He knocked lightly on Albert's door. "Who is it?" Albert shapped, still fuming from his earlier

"It's me,

Maxwell' 'Despite

as Mona said, Albert was still just a

her pigtails. Reflecting on it now, he realized he had been quite mischievous back

that Albert was venting his frustrations through the game. Without wasting time,

The military? That place is unlivable!

home so he wants to send me away to avoid seeing

think your grandpa wants to send you to the military 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 the family, so I'm not in a hurry to grow up. The bottom line was that he didn't want to join the military. The life was too hard in the army, and he

you for your entire life? Your grandparents will eventually grow old. Your dad is busy with work every day, and your sisters will get married. The only person who can accompany you throughout your life is yourself. I don't know much about

words, his face flushed with embarrassment. "I have plenty of money.

"Sure,

to live as a parasite! It takes a long time to learn the right way, but

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

You're not afraid. I'll go tell Grandpa you're willing to train

liurriedly grabbed his arm. "I'm just saying

back. "If you're not afraid, then why not

I'm going to fight you. You took advantage of me when I

not