" Wha... what happened? "
Jennifer looked at Max with a shocked expression when he pulled his hand from her grasp. She froze, surprised and a little heartbroken. Then seeing his annoyed face made her feel strangely sad.
" Are you joking with me? "
" What? No, why would I? "
Max looked at Jennifer's hopeless, cute face, which somehow looked even cuter when she seemed confused and sad at the same time. He smiled gently to ease her tension.
" You do love me, right? "
Max asked. He was not dumb. Sure, he liked to take his time knowing and exploring a person, but he knew what she felt. The system's love card was used on her, so yeah, she loved him more than even she realized.
" L… love? "
Jennifer's blush turned red, then tomato red. It felt like steam was coming off her face as she didn't know what to do in this situation. Her heartbeat was off the charts. Even as a doctor, she didn't think this was possible.
" Yeah? Or don't you? "
Max smiled and gently poked her nose with his index finger. She suddenly slammed her face into his chest. It shocked him at first, then a slight pain followed. He was certain she was more hurt than him, but she still chose to hide herself in his chest anyway.
" I… I do, lots of… "
" I know, relax. Don't be this shy. You're behaving like a little girl who just got her first boyfriend "
" I… am a little girl. You're… you're my first boyfriend, so I am a LITTLE girl "
Max just smiled and let her stay against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and gently patted her back, slow and steady, letting her calm down in his warmth. For a moment, he simply held her like that, quiet and close, then his thoughts slowly drifted to how to remove Bronte from her life once and for all.
I need that sister. If she takes Jenny's niece to the US, that might help… or will it? I need someone powerful to negotiate for me, hmm… Finn's dad sounds powerful enough.
Max's brain ran at full speed as he thought about how to deal with this trouble. He didn't want a huge gang on his back and ruin his peaceful life.
"S... Sir? Is ma'am alright? "
Even though Max and Jennifer were seated in a corner, it was still a public place, and people kept noticing them. A couple this striking was rare. Jennifer looked like a professional model, soft and elegant, while Max looked tall and commanding beside her. Together, their presence stood out without effort.
Their combined charm was hard to ignore. So when the waiter came to serve their food, he couldn't help but check on them first. People at the nearby tables quietly nodded when they heard his question. They had wanted to ask the same thing, but none of them had the courage. After all, they had no reason to approach, and it took real guts to walk up to someone this huge and handsome.
" She's alright, just a bit tired and hungry. Thank you for asking "
Max lightly tapped Jennifer's back. It was her cue to get up. After she stood up with a smile, Max took the food plates from the waiter's hands and dismissed him.
" Eat, I am hungry as well "
Max picked up the knife and fork and cut open a thick slice of roasted duck. Steam rose slowly, carrying a rich, mouthwatering smell. He gently blew on it two or three times to cool it down, then lightly stuffed it into Jennifer's mouth, not giving her time to refuse.
" It'shh… good "
While chewing, Jennifer tried to talk with bright, sparkling eyes. Her cheeks were pink, and she held onto Max's arm tightly, almost clinging to him, clearly showing she wasn't going to eat with her own hands. She wanted him to feed her.
" Yeah? Well, eat more then "
Max fed her first, piece by piece, and she couldn't even finish a whole duck. So he fed her dessert too, then ordered some wine for her. After filling her stomach to the brim, she relaxed beside him like a spoiled kitten. Max then started eating. He finished her leftovers first, then his own portion, and still felt only seventy-five percent full.
My appetite has increased a lot. Gotta eat more to maintain this physique.
" Hey. You know, you'll regret being in a relationship with an older woman like me "
Max turned his eyes toward Jennifer. She was clearly drunk after drinking about three glasses of wine. She was a little tipsy and wasn't blushing anymore.
" I don't think so. For men, it's kind of the opposite. Dating an older woman makes you feel more manly. I also feel like you deserve better than me "
Max said it quietly. He didn't look her in the eyes. He just pulled out his phone and saw Blanka's message from about an hour ago. Jennifer, hearing that, looked at him with a slightly confused expression.
*How is this looking? It's so pretty, I love it. I'm going to wear it even in my sleep. Oh! Bumped into Machina while shopping for groceries. Gonna keep her for tonight*
Blanka sent him a photo of herself wearing the expensive gift he had given both sisters last night. He had slipped it into their handbags before they left. Machina's helpless smile could be seen in the background.
*Mas… Max, I will stay here, if you don't have any problem. It's girls' night*
Machina's text came next. There was also a picture attached. She was in the front, wearing what looked like Blanka's pajamas. Blanka and a few other girls were there too, and a huge monitor with 'NETFLIX' open on it. Max simply texted 'Sure,' then locked the phone.
" Why do you say that? What more could I ask for? You're handsome, capable, young "
Jennifer asked softly. She was truly confused. Why would Max say he didn't deserve her? It should be the opposite, right?
Max stayed quiet for a moment. His eyes turned calm and distant, heavier than before.
" There are things about me you don't know. Things you shouldn't know. And some you will never know. My life isn't simple, Jennifer "
His voice was steady and firm.
" I can't promise to belong to only one woman. There will be others in my life. That's just how it is. But I can promise you this… no matter what happens, I'll protect you. And as long as I live, I'll love you. That won't change "
Then he looked at her with a faint hint of guilt in his eyes. He hadn't wanted her to take the card back then, but that didn't matter anymore. Things had already changed. If he stayed with her, he had to be honest. That was the only way he could give her the respect she deserved.
" Wow… y-yeah, I didn't think like that. I mean, people cheat in a relationship, that's common… but what you're saying is…? "
Jennifer looked a little shocked. She couldn't even find the right word for what she was feeling. Her mind was trying hard to make sense of it.
Max's voice stayed calm and firm.
" I will never cheat on you. That's certain. I don't lie and I don't hide things. But I won't live with only one lover either. There will be a few women in my life. You'll know who they are. I'll tell you myself. I may even ask what you think. Nothing behind your back. Never like that "
" I… I am your which number girlfriend? "
" Well, now that you say it like that, I feel like a bad guy. You're the first ever queen in my life. I have never touched another woman like how I did with you yesterday. So yeah, I'm just being very open with you "
Jennifer thought for a moment after hearing that reply. Her dad had cheated on her mother. Her mother had cheated on her father. Then her stepdad came and cheated too. Her sister's husband didn't even bother to hide it. It was open that he slept with hookers.
Max, on the other hand, was at least honest with her. That didn't justify what he was saying, but she couldn't convince her heart to leave him.
He was just that good for her heart. When he was near, she could forget the whole world, even her niece.
" Fuck!! Alright, I love you, you got me "
Jennifer almost pulled her hair when she finally convinced herself and looked at Max with a fierce gaze. Max, hearing her curse for the first time, was shocked, then surprised by how resolute her eyes were.
" Now that I've got you, let me pay the debt you owe. Call him, not today but tomorrow, and let him know we'll pay the debt in about a week. Full €850,000 in cash "
Max immediately grabbed her hand. It felt soft and warm. Hearing that he would pay the amount, Jennifer instinctively shook her head lightly, but Max placed a finger on her lips to stop her before she could speak.
" Don't question my decision at this moment "
" Can't I question your decision? "
" Sure, at every step. But not when my family is in grave danger. I know what's best. You're safe with me "
Max smiled, then kissed her forehead. He took her coat from the back of the chair and helped her wear it. Then, holding her hand, he led her out of the restaurant. The weather felt cold, so he drove the car while she sat in the front passenger seat, satisfied with how a terrible day ended on a happy note.
System balance
[Current Legal Balance: 3,053,708€] [Level up the card by using 2,878,514€]