Chapter 145 - Fourth Commandent (1/2)

”Do you like it?” Maxen asked, his hot breath warmed her and sent fluttering sensations in her belly.

Meeting his gaze, she tipped her head, nodding whilst biting her bottom lip. ”I love it,” she whispered.

But her tongue itched to say more, so she leaned on his c.h.e.s.t so her mouth could reach his ears, declaring, ”I. Love. You.”

Maxen kneaded her h.i.p.s, shifting in his seat to keep himself from jumping for joy. Olivia seldomly says the word as if it would burn her tongue that's why every time she did, he knew how heavy with emotions those three words carried.

They were so lost in their world they didn't notice the flock of phones up in the air, taking photos and videos of what could be considered an intimate moment.

Most of the spectators were elated. They could hear wedding bells dance along with the wind. But a sore thumb stuck out, named King Alistair.

His mind was busy coming up with 'suggestions' for the couple that he didn't realize, he was the only one wearing a frown on the face.

It was when Queen Isla growled at him, gesturing ”I AM WATCHING YOU” with her two fingers in a 'V' pointing to her eyes before poking it across the table where King Alistair sat.

Meanwhile, at the head of the table, Maxen and Olivia were all smiles as they fixed their gazes on the photo. It was a photo of Olivia standing in between Maxen and Oliver.

The caption read: HRH Maxen Sui together with Lin siblings Oliver and Olivia.

The photo looked like any other photos that were printed before it and that would be printed after it—grainy, standard size in gloss.

However, it was not just a simple photo. It was a statement. A statement of their relationship. And those with a pair of keen eyes, like Queen Isla, would see Maxen and Olivia's matching cuff links and bangles.

The jaguar heads glittered as the camera flashed. It was out in the open, screaming for everyone to take notice of it as they held up their champagne flutes.

Brushing her index finger over the photo, Olivia bit her bottom lip as she let out a low, mirthful laugh. ”But Ollie's face was cut in half.”

”That was intentional.” Maxen flicked a finger on Ollie's cropped face. If it was up to him, that photo should be his and Olivia's official photo.

”Okay, lovebirds. That's enough.” Grandma Lin clapped her hands to get Maxen and Olivia's attention. ”And please release your hostage, Maxen. We have some serious discussion about your relationship.”

All the while, she held her chin up, leaving a trail of confidence in her track until she reached the empty seat to Grandma Lin's left.

Once she was seated, she cupped her grandma's hand. It was thin, and the skin sagged as it clung to the bones. It wasn't like that years ago when Grandma Lin paid her a visit in Oxford.

Suddenly, she felt bile clog her throat as the whirlpool of remorse and shame rose from the pit of her stomach.

In her mind, she was so used by her family's absence in her life that she just waited for them to come to her in their own time and their terms.

But in her heart, she knew. She knew she had all the means to visit her grandma, but she didn't, and she never bothered to reach out too.

Looking once more at her grandma's hands, Olivia felt like she was years late as she could see each grain of sand in Grandma Lin's hourglass running out.

But it's not yet too late for her. She's home. At long last. And with the new chapter of her life, she now had more backs to lean onto.

”I don't want to sound old-fashioned…” Grandma Lin trailed off, patting the back of Olivia's hand. ”But if you wanted to take your relationship into the next level, I wish that you would ask for Henry's blessing.”

”Eh? Mother! It's like you're asking the sun to rise in the West!” Auntie Martha slammed her hand on the table.

”Martha, it's important that a parent gives them a blessing. It's the fourth commandment. Honor your mother and father, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.”

”Oh, please, Mother. Why should we apply something as sacred as a bible teaching on a demon like Henry? What are we? An exorcist?” A scornful laugh echoed from Auntie Martha's lips. She took a sip of her sangria, thankful that she had alcohol in her hand to numb her nerves.

”Mom, that's enough,” Eli c.o.c.ked a brow to his mother's way even though he knew nothing would stop Auntie Martha's mouth especially when she's full tank with the spirit of alcohol.