CHAPTER 89: THE PERFECT WOMAN

Stelle forgot about her earlier thoughts and began to smash Max’s back with her small hands. Of course, the impact was anything but small.

[Things we do for love!]

Max groaned lightly, equally speechless hearing Kafka.

’Did you watch GOT?’

[Only first season. I didn’t expect the end, not gonna lie.]

Max would have liked to talk more but Stelle’s impact were growing stronger so before his ribs broke, he caught her hand.

"Do you want your boyfriend to die?" Max hissed in pain, though he was mostly pretending.

Stelle panicked hearing him and hurriedly closed his mouth with her hand, while getting closer.

She glared at him, "Why are you shouting? What if Big Sis hear you?"

Max lowered her hand and smiled, "First of all, she’s sleeping too deeply that I doubt even fireworks would wake her up. Second, I like when you take initiative to get close to me."

Only then Stelle realised her position and blushed hard. She tried to retreat but Max’s swift hand caught her waist and made her sit on his lap.

She was startled and tried to get out of his embrace, but soon realised that she couldn’t even muster up her strength to push him away.

Still, she could glare at him and so she did, "Let go of me! Even if she’s asleep, what if she wakes up and sees us like this? Do you want to be together with her or not?"

"I do, but I don’t want it on the expense of you," Max said, his voice turning serious.

He caressed her cheeks, but she was too stunned by his words to react. His eyes narrowed seeing the whole hand imprint on her cheeks.

Whatever the reason was, she was disgusted with herself and had slapped herself. This was something Max knew as she had a habit of punishing herself like this whenever she felt that she deserved it.

It was a coping mechanisms she developed because of her upbringing.

He sighed and took out a Tier 1 Health Regeneration Potion. He opened her mouth and let her drink it, while observing her cheeks.

Feeling the liquid down her throat, Stelle finally woke up from her daydreaming and said, "There wasn’t any need for it. It would have healed by itself."

"What if your sister wakes up and sees your face?"

His words silenced her as she lowered her head and silently enjoyed his warm embrace. It provides peace to her chaotic thoughts and she wished she never had to get away from this position.

Max adjusted her slightly to make her comfortable and then encircled his arm through her slender waist. He really wondered how could she pack such strength in her tiny body.

They remained silent for a few minutes, enjoying each other’s company and forgetting about everything.

Max wanted to talk to her, but he knew it was better that he gave her enough time to say things herself.

If he pushed for everything, she would just continue to drown in her chaotic thoughts.

"Max, what do you like about me?" Stelle asked after some deliberation.

’So, this is what it was all about, huh,’ Max smiled and responded, "There’s a saying I heard from my elders. ’Marry the woman who makes you laugh and gives you the peace from outside world!’ and I’m just following that."

His tone was calm and relaxed as if he was stating something obvious. He paused, looking down at the cut lady sitting on his arms and smiled.

"And you’re that woman for me. You nicker a lot and say nonsensical things..."

"Hey!!!"

"...but it makes me laugh and reminds me of how fun life can be. Your presence makes my heart at peace and I have my trust in you. How do you think I was able to perform to the best of me today?"

Stelle shook her head and guessed, "Maybe because the thrill of leveling up?"

"It’s one reason for pushing myself, but not the reason why I was able to bring my best out. It’s because I didn’t need to worry about Charlotte or you. I knew you two would be safe."

He chuckled softly.

"That safety didn’t come from some spell or artefacts but your presence. I knew you would be safe because it’s your and same goes for Charlotte. I can say for sure that not for once she thought about her safety because you were standing beside her."

He found her hand and held it tightly, feeling her warmth through it.

"Do you need anymore reasons? I can name more if you want."

Stelle lightly shook her head, making her red hair dance in the dim illumation.

"It’s fine! I was just...I don’t want these thoughts but..."

Max played with her fingers and smiled, saying in his relaxed tone, "Those thoughts are just your past self whispering for you to go back to your past. It is holding your back."

"That’s some cheesy line," Stelle couldn’t help but laugh.

"I know, but it’s true. I don’t know exactly what happened in your past but I can see that you still don’t give yourself the credit you deserve."

He paused and then asked.

"Do you feel that your sister is better than you at everything?"

Stelle lightly nodded whole wondering why was she opening to this man when she has never opened her heart to anyone.

Max sighed, feeling bad for her.

"You say everything but is it really true? I’m pretty sure you are more cute, more powerful combat wise, more suitable for provoking others and you even have a better butt."

"They’re not the best qualities. Also, you’re just saying that because you haven’t seen my sister’s butt," Stelle grumbled to herself.

"Really? Is she better down there?" Max asked in surprise.

Stelle’s lips twitched and she elbowed his belly, saying, "You’re a real pervert and also very fickler. You’re comforting me but still thinking about her butt."

"You’re the one who made me curious," Max rolled his eyes.

"Yes, but you don’t have to say that to me."

"Why not? You’re my girlfriend and I will never hide things from you."

"Aghh! I wanna hit you so bad!"