Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
Even though Max was usually good at a comeback or a roast, he fumbled for the right word today.
“Oh? May I ask whom you are referring to?”
Yelena simply threw him a question.
It was Elspeth’s first time to see Max at such a disadvantage. Waving her hands to stop the commotion, she barely stifled a laugh.
“That’s enough, Yelena. Stop teasing Max. He’s a shy boy. If there’s one more sentence from you, he’ll flee the scene.”
As if she pointed out what was on his mind, Max was blushing profusely. His flushed cheeks mirrored the sunset.
“By the way, since such a thing happened, I’m sure it will show up in tomorrow’s headline. When the time comes, remember to manage your public image to prevent the unexpected.”
Undeterred by Elspeth’s warning, Yelena answered nonchalantly,
“Relax. What can go wrong when Callum has made sure the crowd will keep a secret? Even if there’s a headline tomorrow, it’ll all be about Alaina. Why do we need to keep an eye on it?”
Elspeth couldn’t help but sigh quietly at Yelena’s innocence. However, others didn’t know a thing about the kiss between Yelena and Max. Thus, she didn’t point it out, and only reminded Yelena a little.
“It won’t hurt to keep that in mind.”
Yelena would gladly listen to Elspeth’s words. After the few of them exchanged a light talk, Elspeth bid farewell to Yelena and prepared for departure as the night was closing in.
At that moment, Max noticed a familiar figure sitting on the couch behind him.
It seemed like Finn wasn’t leaving yet. He even turned on the television and was watching with amusement.
“Why is he still here?”
Even though Max understood that Finn was Yelena’s cousin, Finn would always be an eyesore to him.
When he heard Max mention him, Finn raised his head and grinned at the other man.
“Well, I’m a resident here. It has nothing to do with you, has it?”
“Don’t change the topic. It’s inappropriate for a grown man living in the same household with a woman.”
Besides, Yelena had the habit of wearing little clothing. No one could guarantee that Finn wouldn’t see what he shouldn’t at night.
Max was frustrated to think about the two living under the same roof.
“Yelena is my cousin. It’s a normal sight to have both of us hugging and bonding over close interactions. But back to you, why are you being so dramatic? Max, don’t tell me you’ve developed romantic feelings for her. Let me give you a heads-up, I don’t approve of you being in a relationship with her. Therefore, you better turn your feelings away before things get worse.”
Max coldly replied,
“You can keep that advice to yourself. I can promise you a girl like her is not my type anyways.”
“You don’t know how glad I am to hear you say that. Most people are not good enough for her.”
“It’s none of my business whom she wants to be with anyway.”
At that moment, Max only wanted to hold his ground. Thus, he didn’t manage to catch the glimpse of the disappointed look on Yelena’s face.
“All right, both of you stop this debate this instant. It’s getting late now. We should all head home to freshen up and call it a day.”
Yelena turned her gaze to look at Max coldly,
“Whoever visits me is none of your business, so please head back to your place.”
Max got irritated by the fact of him getting kicked out. Meanwhile, he also realized his action overstepped a boundary. Thus, he simply kept it all to himself and immediately left the place without any hesitation.
Elspeth could only smile dryly at his behavior. This little brat with his inappropriate choice of words.
The sight of affection is obvious even to me, but he just can’t be honest. What a stubborn man.
Worrying that Yelena might overthink, Elspeth cast a consoling glance at her.
“Don’t mind him. He has always been this way; don’t take his words to heart.”
Hearing this, Yelena, who had been maintaining a calm front earlier, could no longer control her sadness as tears welled up in her eyes.
“I am fine,”
she said while sniffing, pretending to be fine.
“Don’t worry. I’ll tell him off when I get home later!”
“Okay.”
Elspeth then quickly left with Callum, worrying that if they stayed on any longer, they wouldn’t be able to coax Yelena once she started wailing.
When they returned to the car, Elspeth found Max sulking alone in the backseat.
“Why did you say that just now? Do you really not like her?”
Elspeth couldn’t control her urge and ask.
“I don’t like her, of course. Would anyone like her? She’s so silly and has no brains at all.”
“You’re still being so obstinate, huh? If that’s the case, why do you need to worry about whether a man is in her house or not? When did you start showing such a keen interest in other people’s affairs, Max?”
Elspeth observed Max’s slightly relaxed expression and continued,
“Let me guess. You’re angry now because she chased you out but not that man, am I right?”
Max opened his mouth, wanting to retort, but he was at a loss for words.
“You’re overthinking it. Hex is sleeping in another room. You don’t have to worry too much.”
Elspeth was simply making a casual remark, but Callum secretly noted it down.
Yes, I admit that I just can’t stand her being alone with other men, even her cousin, but I’m a nobody and have no say in her matter. This explained why Max could only swallow his rage. Wait. Is this an indication that I like her?
Max wasn’t sure as well. He went silent for a while before raising his head to look at Callum and said,
“Callum, send me to Luna Bar.”
He couldn’t understand his feelings and wanted to have some alcohol to trigger his heart and emotions.
Callum understood what Max meant and did not stop him. After sending him to Luna Bar and watching him enter, Callum turned his head and looked at Elspeth.
Elspeth felt uneasy having his gaze firmly fixed on her.
“Why are you looking at me?”
she asked, her brows furrowed.
“How did you know that Hex is sleeping?”
Elspeth’s heart sank when she heard this.
It was too late for her to lie now.
“I was brought to a room earlier, and that room happens to be Hex’s,”
she said truthfully.
That was when she saw Hex sleeping soundly.
Callum felt relieved hearing this, but his expression remained displeased.