Chapter 32 - Full of Bravado (1/2)

The Lee Estate

”Maxen!” Oliver raced after his friend who left in such a hurry, leaving the group in the media room scratching their heads. The two were out of the Lee's mansion by the time Oliver caught up with his friend. He pulled Maxen's arm forcing the prince to look behind him. ”Hey, Brother! Jeeez! Why are you in such a hurry?”

”Huh. Nothing. I'm just hungry and I want to go home. Why?”

Weirded out by Maxen's answer, Oliver rubbed his temple with a finger and chuckled, ”There's food inside, for your information, Your Highness.” However, Maxen just gave him a nonchalant and unimpressed look. Seeing his brother's detached attitude, Oliver unbuttoned his suit jacket and pulled out an emerald green envelope with a red wax seal of the Lin Family emblem.

Maxen twisted his body and saw Oliver holding out the invitation to him which he gladly accepted with a faint smile on his face. The look on his face was a telltale sign that he's disappointed over Oliver keeping him in the dark over Olivia's existence.

Before they could iron out their issues, the two men sensed an intruder in their personal space and shifted their gaze to the flight of stairs. Oliver muttered in between his smile as Fiona walked closer to them, ”Look who we have here, your 'F Sui'.”

Moments ago, Fiona Chung was mingling with the guests when she saw Oliver and Maxen walking out of the mansion. She pulled out a pocket mirror in her purse and checked her make-up, puckering up her lips before snapping the jeweled mirror close and sliding it back in her purse. Once she was out the door and away from the prying eyes of the guests, she pushed up her c.h.e.s.t and sauntered down the flight of stairs following the trail of Maxen and Oliver. She slowed down her steps upon seeing Oliver pass an emerald envelope to Maxen.

Maxen playfully grappled Oliver with his arm, locking the latter in a tight hold, annoyed at how the latter called Fiona a 'Sui'.

”Hey, relax. I'm just kidding. F*ck. You're serious with that girl?” Oliver tapped out and was thankful to be released. He took a step back, massaging his neck. He knew Maxen never brought a plus one to any party and seeing his brother's vexed state with that simple joke meant how serious he was with 'O Sui'.

”Glad you found the one, Maxen. Doesn't it feel nice?”

Oliver stifled a smile when all he heard from Maxen was a grunt. He glanced at Fiona who was taking her grand time walking towards them, exaggerating each sway of her h.i.p.s. He patted Maxen's shoulder and when the two men meet eye to eye, he said, ”Time to say goodbye to your 'friend',” grinning he continued, ”Brother, invite her sometime for lunch. I'd love to meet the woman who managed to shackle you down.”

The two brothers exchanged their signature handshake, then Oliver left Maxen and Fiona for their alone time.

”Your Highness,” Fiona purred. However, unlike the old times where Maxen would enjoy the company of a woman, this time, all he wanted to do was run and hide. Why did he have to abuse his good looks and reputation? Now he had to deal with a long list of women.

”Good evening, Ms. Chung. Are you perhaps lost? Party's upstairs.”

”Huh? Oh, no. I saw you leaving so I was wondering if I could hitch a ride home too.”

Maxen took a sharp breath and saw three identical cars pullover the curb. MIB2 hopped out of  the car and opened the door for Maxen who stood idly with his hands dipped in his pockets. ”I'm going home to my girlfriend. Now, if you'll excuse me. I can call in a cab for you.” Without waiting for her to say anything, Maxen entered the car and MIB2 closed the door for him, never sparing Fiona Chung a glance.

The purse in her hands slipped off, good thing the strap was hanging tightly on her shoulders. Fiona was dumbfounded at the sudden 180-degree change in Maxen. She thought about how they were rolling over the sheets for hours yesterday. That's it? They're over? Hell no! She pulled her head back as she s.u.c.k.e.d all the air in her lungs and when she's out of breath, she bowed her head, hysterically laughing at her predicament. She looked at the glaring red tail lights of Maxen's convoy and nodded her head with her sinister thoughts. She had him before. Of course, she could have him again.

…

Olivia's Decoy Apartment

Rockaway Tower