The Queen's Back

Maxwell nodded slightly as if to acknowledge Joseph's earlier comment. Due to Bud's influence, Maxwell had a poor first impression of Joseph.

Bud was someone who, after a long time, finally had feelings for someone and wanted to reconcile with Ava, but now that opportunity was gone. Maxwell could only blame Bud for making mistakes. However, he felt quite displeased when looking at Joseph. Joseph noticed that Maxwell seemed aloof and cold, and given the rumors circulating outside, it seemed true that Maxwell was unapproachable. So, he quietly turned his attention to Ava's silhouette.

Soon, everyone arrived at the small square, where Albert and Haley were setting up the fireworks. Albert instructed everyone to disperse before being the first to ignite the fireworks.

All this while, the fireworks in the sky had not stopped at all. The ones Albert bought were brighter and more varied when they ascended, and supposedly, they were less harmful to the environment.

With a loud "bang," colorful fireworks exploded in the sky, illuminating the dark night, accompanied by the sounds of popping explosions.

Mona and Ava stood at the back and looked at the fireworks in the sky. All this while, Mona had been smiling,

Suddenly, a pair of large hands gripped her waist, and through her clothing, Mona could feel the warmth of his hands. Instinctively, she turned her head and saw Maxwell standing behind her, his chin resting on her head.

The fireworks emitted a pink glow, casting a soft light on Mona's tanned cheeks, making her features appear even more defined.

With an intense gaze, Maxwell focused on Mona's face, clearly seeing his reflection in her half-closed eyes. He turned his head and delicately pressed a kiss on Mona's cheek.

A soft sensation brushed against her face, prompting Mona to timidly grip Maxwell's hand resting on her waist. She felt a bit bashful. She noticed that the others were all engrossed in the fireworks and Joseph had taken Ava to another place. Noticing that Joseph had quietly taken Ava's hand and that Ava had rested her head on his shoulder, Mona's shyness dissipated, and she allowed Maxwell to wrap his arms around her.

The fireworks lasted quite a while; as they watched, Albert and Haley ran around nearby. Mona stole a glance at them, thinking her brother had yet to mature.

Barbara watched Mona's beaming face with a sense of discomfort. 'Why does Mona get to enjoy happiness from childhood to adulthood?' she thought. Barbara felt resentful and unsatisfied. She was alone, while Mona had her husband to accompany her. Jealousy distorted her features.

Later, with Maxwell's help, Mona lit a firework. The instant the fuse caught fire, Mona took Maxwell's hand and quickly ran toward the open space. Almost immediately, the fireworks crackled and burst in the air, and Mona's smile shone with extraordinary brilliance. Maxwell found himself quietly watching Mona, thinking that her smile outshone even the most stunning fireworks overhead.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

A moment later, he held Mona in his arms and gently brushed her hair away from her face. He was filled with hope for the future.

Because Mona was beside him.

At this moment, Albert's scream interrupted the

peace

Maxwell felt.

20:12 59%

Mona pulled Maxwell anxiously with her as they rushed in that direction, her heart filled with worry when she saw Albert lying on the ground.

"Albert, what's wrong?" Mona asked as she ran. She was a little worried that something bad would really happen during

Christmas.

Upon getting nearer, Mona noticed Albert climbing back up, will Haley still on the ground.

For a moment, Mona's thoughts went astray.

At that point, Haley hurriedly got to her feet, glaring at Albert with hostility and wiping her lips with her hand.

"W-what happened?" Mona stuttered. She hoped it was not what she thought.

As soon as Albert yelled out, not only Mona and Maxwell, but Ava, Elara, and Barbara also came.

A group of people surrounded Albert and Haley, asking all sorts of questions. Albert could not stand the feeling of being interrogated. In a daze, Albert realized that this might be how Mona felt when she was interrogated by them this morning! Without saying anything, Albert pulled Haley and quickly ran home.

Her wrist was suddenly captured by a powerful hand, and the heat emanating from it made Haley acutely aware of Albert's grip.

"Albert, what are you doing? Let go of me!" Haley protested, straining to escape.

However, for some reason, Albert was exceptionally strong today. Haley tried her best to break free, but she did not feel like his grip was loosening at all.

Thinking of the unexpected kiss between the two of them just now, Haley felt her heart burning and felt exceptionally uncomfortable.

Just like that, she was pulled home by Albert. The house was empty since the two elderly were visiting neighbors.

"Why did you bring me back in such a hurry? What if Mona is in danger later?" Haley asked angrily. After saying that, she wanted to go back.

Despite her efforts, Albert kept holding her wrist firmly. As Haley fought to escape, their eyes locked in a silent contest of will.

After a moment of struggle, Haley noticed that Albert's face had turned an intense shade of red, especially illuminated by the lights in the living room, and the flush had reached down to his neck.

"What's wrong? Say something. Why is your face so red? Are you sick?" As she spoke, Haley wanted to reach out to touch the warmth on Albert's face.

Albert obediently let Haley touch his forehead. Then, Haley touched her forehead and muttered, "Our temperature is about the same. In fact, it seems that my forehead is even hotter than yours. Albert, where are you feeling unwell?" When Haley saw that Albert's cheeks were abnormally red, she was certain that he was sick.

"My heart isn't feeling well, feel it!" As he spoke, Albert placed Haley's hand on his chest.

His heart pounded wildly, each beat louder than the last. For some reason, when Haley felt the heat of his skin, she instinctively pulled her hand back quickly.

As she ran, she exclaimed, "I-if your heart hurts, you should hurry and see a doctor!"

"Haley, I will be responsible for you!" Albert yelled as he looked at Haley's departing figure. 'When I grow up, I will marry

237

you, Albert thought.

K € 59%

He tucked the thought away in his heart, raising a hand to touch his lips, still faintly scented with Haley's milky fragrance.

Now, recalling the way they had run together near the fireworks, the vibrant colors illuminating the night allowed him to see his own feelings clearly. He could not help but wish for Haley to be his mentor, In fact, he wanted far more than this.