Chapter 231 - Unwanted Intrusion

I hurriedly spoke to clear his misunderstanding. “What are you talking about?! You look amazing just like any other day! You’re probably the most handsome man I know!” His expression turned vacant—perhaps I had been too enthusiastic in expressing my opinion. I was humiliated, but there was nothing I could do now. The last thing I wanted to do was trample on the self-esteem of someone I was fond of. Ushering him to the chair, I started, “Let’s sit down now and—”

Just then, Max hugged me from behind. His lean but muscular arms wrapped around my body as if to entrap me. I felt my face grow hot. To make it worse, he whispered into my ear, “I was worried because you closed the door so suddenly. I hadn’t visited for the past few days, and I—”

“That’s because of what I’m wearing today,” I ended up exposing myself. I guess I had dug my own grave since it seemed both of us had forgotten about what I was wearing. In any case, I turned my head slightly in his direction and felt a soft touch on my cheek. I quickly turned around in astonishment only to notice his ruby eyes on me. They shone brighter than usual.

He then spoke in a serious tone, “You look beautiful no matter what you wear.” Normally, I would think a comment like that was cringy. However, I strangely felt loved. Maybe it was because this was the first time I had received someone’s attention head-on. My heart tickled as I gazed into his eyes. He slowly approached me, and I closed my eyes, listening to the sound of his breaths grow closer.

“Jubelian, are you in there?” a voice interrupted. Thoroughly startled by my father’s voice, I pushed Max away.

* * *

“Y-yes, Father! Is something the matter?”

Contrary to the surprised Jubelian, Max was irritated. He knew his master had interrupted them on purpose.

‘Ha, he’s willing to go this far?’

“I have something to discuss with Max,” his master continued from outside the door. Jubelian turned to Max in response. He hoped that she would hold him back, but she pushed him without hesitation.

“Go ahead.”

Disappointment rose in response to her heartless words. ‘He wouldn’t dare to pull something like this if she said something…’ He felt something soft on his cheek just then. He turned to realize Jubelian had stood on tippy-toes to give him a light kiss on the cheek.

Blushing, she said, “I hope you guys have a good time.” The corners of Max’s lips rose without him realizing it. He lowered his head to meet her eyes.

‘I wonder if you know how much you mean to me. I don’t think I’ll be able to…’ He then replied quietly, “I will.” Looking at her once more before leaving, he realized he was now helpless. He would do anything for her.

* * *

I was only able to calm down after Max left the room. He had literally sucked the soul out of me with his sweet-talking. I had taken countless deep breaths, but the tickling in my heart never subsided. I dove into bed and squealed inwardly, ‘I’m beautiful no matter what I wear? How could he say such things like that?!’ I giggled under my blanket for a while then started worrying about what my father had to discuss with him. As far as I knew, they were not on good terms. I wondered what he had called Max for.

Deciding to find out for myself, I got up from my bed and placed a shawl over my shabby clothes before heading out of the room.