Chapter 54 - Sudden Passiveness (1/2)

”Why did you kick me? And why are you getting violent by the day, Olivia?” Maxen whimpered and clutched on his shin as he limped. However, when Olivia was about to reply, the burning smell of food caught them by surprise.

Fortunately, the thick smoke of white sn.a.k.e.d up to the kitchen hood, saving them from any unnecessary cleaning all because a little prince pretended to know how to cook.

”What the heck, Max? Are you trying to burn my flat?” Olivia raised her voice as she shoved Maxen to the side. She snarled at him upon seeing how he set the fire too high, quickly burning the skin of the fish.

”Yes! So you can move in with me,” Maxen smoothly spoke his heart's d.e.s.i.r.e, feeling no remorse for his blunder. He pulled an awkward smile and playfully accused her, ”Hey! You kicked me first. It distracted me.” However, he stood ramrod straight when Olivia sent him an evil glare while her hands were busy rectifying his error.

”You don't have to impress me,” Olivia calle dhim out as she faced Maxen with one hand on her hip while the other held a stainless steel thong.

”I need not impress you,” he bit out, annoyed at how he wanted to convince Olivia, but even he can't convince himself with the words that came out from his mouth.

”If that's what you say so, Your Highness,” Olivia shrugged before moving her attention back to their food. Out of words and patience to deal with a whiny little prince, Olivia ignored him and focused on searing the fish fillet on the skillet pan.

Olivia gave him a small smile before flipping the fish to the other side. They scrunch their noses in unison when the heavy and pungent smell of burnt meat penetrated their nostrils. Blaming Maxen, Olivia said, ”You will eat the burnt one.”

”Yes, ma'am,” Maxen chuckled. Even with her searing tone, Maxen nodded in a beat, not at all offended even when no one had ever spoken to him in such a demeaning manner. Olivia was the first.

Behind her, Maxen watched intently, hypnotized by Olivia's domesticated side. He felt butterflies in his stomach and made a mental note to give the kitchen staff an extra day off so Olivia could cook for him more in the future.

When Olivia looked over her shoulder, she saw Maxen grinning like a fool that she automatically raised her brow—vexed at how charismatic his smile was.

Her short appreciation of Maxen was short-lived as a frown formed on her face in a flash when she was reminded of that morning's ordeal.

How could this little prince smile an oh-so-carefree smile when she hasn't cleared him yet of his nympholepsy?

Seeing the scowl on her face, Maxen stepped closer but was instantly blocked by Olivia.

”Pardon me,” Olivia said, pushing Maxen two steps away from her with the handle of the stainless steel thong. She waved her arms around her, forming an invisible personal bubble and said, ”May I remind you to keep your distance. Thank you very much.”

She didn't wait for Maxen's reply and turned about face to break from his piercing stare that raised goosebumps on her skin. She shuddered as the picture of his eyes that were as blue as a clear sky momentarily darkened like the Cerulean Sea, flashed in her mind. Just the thought of it was shaking her resolve.

'Was that a look of hurt?' her heart wondered.

'Wait a minute. You're the one who got hurt, Olivia. Okay? Why are you considering his hurt feelings? It's not like you are pushing him away. You are only setting boundaries. Be selfish for once,' her brain said.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she internally reprimanded herself and listened to her brain. One more second of eye contact and it would definitely make her lose her rationale, completely surrendering to Maxen's presence.

Seeing the frown on her face before she turned away from him, Maxen captured her in an embrace, pinning her lithe frame against his. He wanted to end this push and pull between them tonight, and it doesn't matter if he had to force himself into her imaginary bubble.

”Damn that personal bubble!” Maxen cursed in his thoughts. Unbeknownst to him, he said it loud enough in his head that his mouth subconsciously uttered the words for him.