Chapter 193: Chapter 193

"Um... nothing. It means I'm willing to tell you everything about me." But it would take time, added Maxwell in his mind. Some things, he couldn't reveal to Flora and others just yet; it wasn't the right time.

"Are you really willing to tell me about your past?" Flora asked in astonishment. When did he become so good to her? In her mind, Maxwell's past referred to his romantic involvement with Chiyoko!

"Yeah." Maxwell nodded and was about to continue when Flora interrupted him. She placed her hand on his lips, gazing at him. "Maybe you shouldn't say it. I can do without knowing. After all, everyone has their secrets."

A bitter smile appeared on Maxwell's face as he removed her hand from his lips. "This isn't a secret." Everyone in the Smith Family knew, as did the Yota Gang. The only one who didn't was Flora!

"Well, maybe I'm the only one who thinks it's a secret." Flora self-mockingly smiled.

Maxwell lowered his head, kissing away the bitterness on her face. Moving his lips close to hers, he whispered, "Flora, I just want to tell you that I've never loved Chiyoko Tokugawa, never. In my entire life, I've only loved one person, and her name is Flora White."

Flora's body stiffened, once again thinking her ears must be playing tricks on her. He never loved Chiyoko? How could that be possible? Moreover, he said he loved her, and only her!?

Seeing her shock and disbelief, Maxwell continued to whisper in her ear, "The engagement with Chiyoko Tokugawa was due to the pressure from Itou Tokugawa. My uncle got involved with him unintentionally and was forced into a corner, with no other option..."

Recalling the past fueled anger in Maxwell's handsome face, and he almost gritted his teeth while revealing these details.

"What happened?" Flora asked in astonishment. Maxwell's past, since she wasn't part of it, she wanted to understand. She wanted to understand him thoroughly because he had always seemed mysterious and sacred to her heart!

It was evident that Maxwell was reluctant to revisit the past, hesitating with every word he spoke. Despite not being a secret, it was a dark chapter, a time of humiliation for him.

Gazing into Flora's pure, serene eyes, Maxwell suddenly felt that he should make her understand the feelings between him and Chiyoko. Only then would she believe that he truly loved only her.

"Three years ago, my uncle accidentally offended the Yota Gang during a bid in Japan. Itou Tokugawa is a ruthless and greedy person, specializing in extorting businesses. My uncle naturally couldn't escape his clutches; he was tied to the Yota Gang and forced to sell shares of the Smith Family Group. I had to confront Yota Gang and Itou Tokugawa face to face. As soon as I got out of the car at the Yota Gang, I saw Chiyoko Tokugawa in a kimono. It was my first time seeing her, and she looked gentle and beautiful..." Maxwell's voice hummed low, his gaze lowered as if recalling that beautiful moment.

"Then you fell for her?" Flora asked, looking at him with caution.

Maxwell chuckled, lifting her chin with his finger, gazing at her as he asked, "Miss Flora, do you think I'm the kind of man who can be captivated by a beautiful woman?"

"You shameless!" Flora huffed, turning her face away. She knew he was always surrounded by beautiful women, but did he have to be so arrogant in front of her? It brought back her feelings of inferiority.

Maxwell continued to smile, kissing her pouting lips before his smile vanished. He continued calmly, "Chiyoko saw me, walked over, and invited me for afternoon coffee. I had urgent matters to attend to and politely declined her offer. I only remember her biting her lip and staring at me, looking as if she had the upper hand. Shortly after, I received an unreasonable condition from Itou. He changed his mind, no longer wanted the shares, and instead, wanted me to get engaged to Chiyoko. Also, I had to help them retrieve a necklace lost in W City, as they believed I could find it..."

"You agreed just like that?" Flora asked, holding her breath. This sounded like a ridiculous plot. Getting engaged after meeting only once?!

Maxwell sighed helplessly, saying, "At that time, there really was no other way. We were in their hands, and my uncle was getting old. In my life, I've only experienced that kind of maddening torture twice—once that time and once when you fell into Philip's hands. You can't understand the feeling of despair and worry intertwined. It truly forces one to submit."

"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have recklessly run off." Flora suddenly leaned down, embracing his head, and gently stroked his face. She spoke with a touch of bitterness, "Maxwell, I can understand you. I watched you walk into Philip's trap, and it was the same kind of feeling. Very worried, very scared, and very desperate, right?"

"Yeah, Flora, you're apologizing again." Maxwell hugged her back. He knew she was worried about him; otherwise, she wouldn't have rushed up to embrace him in that reckless situation.

"I just have a thousand and one apologies to say." Flora whispered, holding him tightly around the neck. She couldn't imagine what would have happened if it weren't for that half necklace; whether she and Maxwell would have made it back alive.

"Alright, let's save discussing it for when you genuinely need to apologize." Maxwell gently pushed her away, smiling down at her. "But I hope there will never be that chance. I'd rather not hear your countless apologies."

He and she, meeting and interacting erroneously, who owed more to whom—Maxwell didn't want to dwell on that anymore. He just hoped they wouldn't make any more mistakes in the future. After all, emotions that grew amidst mistakes were truly precious!

Flora nestled back into his embrace, silently expressing her agreement. Lying in his arms, feeling the warmth of his heart, she asked softly, "Maxwell, during that year, were you good to her? Did you, by any chance, develop some feelings for her?"

Spending over a year with such a beautiful and gentle woman, it seemed implausible not to have any emotions involved. Even though she had been with Maxwell for less than a year, she had already fallen deeply in love with him!

Maxwell paused, his hand on her back, hesitating before answering, "I'm the kind of person who, once I make a choice, won't easily let go. Since I chose her, I would naturally treat her well, and I believed I would eventually fall in love with her. However, she didn't understand how to respect this feeling. She betrayed it before I had the chance to fall in love."

That was just how he was. Even though he had many women outside, they were all just part of the act. None of them would be chosen as a lifelong partner, and he wouldn't allow that to happen!

"Are you referring to... her affair with Young Master Oliver?" Flora asked softly.

"Not only Oliver, but she had ambiguous relationships with many men. Oliver is just one of them." Maxwell said with some indignation. If it was only Oliver, he wouldn't have hated her to this extent. It was because she had relationships with too many men that he used Oliver's identity to break off the engagement.

"You secretly canceled the engagement. Aren't you afraid that Yota Gang will continue to cause trouble for you?" Flora stared at him with concern and worry. Yota Gang was so powerful, and she was genuinely worried.

Maxwell nonchalantly shook his head. "When we accepted this engagement, we signed an agreement. I had to marry her within two years, and she had to be loyal to me. Now, who broke the agreement first? Yota Gang won't dare openly harm me, at most, they'll continue to scheme behind the scenes. I just need to be cautious."

Marry within two years? Flora was briefly stunned; it was already the third year. Oh well... Chiyoko had moved to the third floor a year and a half ago, which was less than two years ago when she started her affair.

"Enemies known are less dangerous than enemies hidden. This way is more perilous," Flora exclaimed with a shiver. She really didn't understand why Maxwell was always so confident, so daring to confront the people from Yota Gang. Could his strength really compete with Yota Gang's? Although he was adept in the underworld, wasn't he too confident?!

Maxwell kissed her face soothingly, "I'll take care of myself. Don't worry about me. What I worry about is you, the baby, and everyone in the Smith Family. As long as all of you are fine, I'm at ease."

"You stubborn guy!" Flora grumbled discontentedly, playfully hitting his back with her small hands.

Maxwell chuckled contentedly, and his hand, uncontrollably, slipped into her clothes.

After so long of abstinence, he felt an impulse to just press her down right there. However, thinking about the annoying little baby occupying her body, he deflated the urge. Although it was truly painful!

"What are you doing? Be careful; the baby might protest." Flora pressed down his hand, not letting him continue his mischief. After all, this kind of thing was very dangerous; one wrong move, and he might play with fire and get burned. She didn't want to see him taking a cold shower afterward.

"I just want to touch; it's been so long." Maxwell chuckled softly, and his hand wriggled out of her small hand, sliding down her back. As usual, his hand trembled slightly when it touched her back as if scalded by something.

Under his palm were intricate marks, scars he had left on her body. They would never fade, his cruel traces on her. Every time he saw them, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of heartache.

It was hard to imagine the pain she must have endured when he whipped her. How could he have brought himself to do such a thing to a girl? Was his hatred for her really so deep? Deep enough to reach this point?

Flora knew he was blaming himself again for the scars on her body. She smiled gently, trying to lighten the mood, "Actually, you should leave one more, so we have an even six. I hate odd numbers the most."

Her clever comfort moved Maxwell, and he lifted her clothes. The five scars of different lengths appeared before him, shocking and heart-wrenching. With a bitter smile, he said, "Really? Then I'll help you add one more."

With that, he leaned down and pressed his lips sensually against her back.

"No—!" Flora exclaimed. The warm and soft touch landed on her back amid her screams, gently imprinting on her. A surge of palpitations originating from within her made her body tremble slightly.

Suddenly, Flora wriggled out of his embrace and stood up, hastily straightening her disheveled clothes. Her face flushed, she said, "You're annoying. You know I'm heavily pregnant, yet you still tease me like this."

"So, you want to make love? Stop pretending to be a saint." Maxwell wickedly chuckled, standing up with her. He came up from behind and hugged her again, eating a smile, "How about we indulge ourselves once, sneakily without disturbing the baby? What do you think?"

Could he always be restricted by the little baby? There were still so many months to go. It was truly a painful matter.

"You're annoying! Who's as lecherous as you?" Flora's face not only turned red but also heated up from his teasing words. Laughing and struggling, she tried to get up.

Maxwell was afraid of hurting her belly, so he had to let her go.

Flora left him and walked towards the sofa, lifting a large box of chocolates lying on the couch, ready to open it. Maxwell suddenly realized that this box of chocolates seemed particularly familiar. How did it end up in her hands so quickly?!

Feeling unhappy, he walked up and unceremoniously snatched the chocolates from her hands, demanding, "You better confess. When did you start colluding with Richard? Why do I have no clue about it?!"

"Naturally, I'm just so likable. What can I do?" Flora imitated his earlier shameless tone. She wanted to show him that she could be just as arrogant. Hmph!

"Mmm, it's delicious. Do you want to try?" After popping one into her mouth, Flora paid no attention to his face now covered with black lines. She picked up another chocolate and held it up to his mouth, asking with a smile.

"No eating!" Maxwell snatched the chocolate from her hand and put it back into the box. He pinched her chin with one hand and used the other to extract the chocolate from her mouth with his two slender fingers.

"Ugh..." Flora protested with a low groan. She almost bit down forcefully, but considering how delicate and beautiful those fingers were, she restrained herself. She just glared at him with resentment, infuriated!

"How can you do that!" Flora protested when her mouth was finally free.

"Didn't Doctor Alan already tell you? Watch your diet," Maxwell declared domineeringly, leaving no room for her to argue.

"I'm just having one; it's a gift from Third Young Master. I should at least try it, right?" Flora made a reasonable argument. Normally, she hardly ate them, except for a few occasions when she sneaked a few in, usually under the influence of Robin. So, she did pay attention to her diet.

"Even trying is not allowed," Maxwell seemed to be opposing her on principle, not wanting her to eat even half a piece. Especially after hearing her deliberately provocative words, knowing he cared, and still intentionally stimulating him?

"Why are you so unreasonable?" Flora pouted, muttering softly. However, a warm flow passed through her heart. She enjoyed seeing him being unreasonable; it was a manifestation of his care for her.

Suddenly, Maxwell hugged her, lowered his head, and kissed her lips deeply, sucking on them with an unclear mouth, saying, "Be good. Chocolates have high sugar content; it's better not to eat them. Wait until after the baby is born, okay?"

Just because of this? Just because of this, he didn't want her to eat? Flora felt a bit disappointed but nodded obediently. She closed her eyes and began to enjoy his passionate kiss, his breath!

At this moment, she was happy. She didn't know what would happen in the future, but she wanted to grasp the happiness of this moment, hoping it wouldn't slip away silently through her fingers like time.

The next afternoon, Flora unexpectedly met Bella and Lily. Upon inquiry, she learned that Maxwell had sent them to take care of her. Flora didn't understand why he did this, but she could vaguely sense his thoughtful intentions, and naturally, she felt moved.

As soon as Lily put down her things, she grabbed Flora, shouting that they should explore the large courtyard of the Smith Family mansion. Lily's excited expression made her look like she had never seen such a luxurious house before. Flora had no choice but to accompany them on a stroll through the garden.

As a pregnant woman, she couldn't keep up with them and was quickly left behind. It turned out they were only using her to lead them into the backyard; they had no intention of having her accompany them. Flora thought angrily that this might be for the best, as she couldn't walk much anyway.

She found a chair by the pool, sat down, and began flipping through the magazines that were originally on the table. The magazines were all about fine arts, which she couldn't understand. Just as she was about to put them back on the table, she heard a young and unfamiliar voice behind her.

The voice rang out loudly, "Hey, lazy one, could you please make me a cup of coffee?"

Who could command her like this, apart from Richard? Flora turned around and saw the well-built and tall Richard, wearing a sexy swimsuit and standing by the pool, towel in hand, wiping the water droplets from his head. He didn't even spare her a glance.

Flora blushed and awkwardly turned her face away, making an 'oh' sound. However, she didn't leave. She was supposed to make coffee? Right, what kind of coffee did Third Young Master like? Nancy had taught her before.

Flora didn't know if she should greet him or not. After all, Richard had given her an expensive box of chocolates, even though the beneficiary was Robin. Still, it showed some goodwill!

"Hey! Why are you staring at me like that? Haven't you seen a handsome guy before?"

Richard's sudden voice startled Flora, bringing her scattered thoughts back to reality. She patted her chest, glanced at him, and said, not very pleased, "Humph! Who's looking at you? A skinny frame like two support beams is not attractive at all."

"Do you dare say I have a skinny frame? What's your name? I'll have the butler deduct your salary this month." Richard angrily shouted, looking at her slim body while speaking. It was the first time someone had said such a thing to him, and it was a servant who didn't know any better!

"I'm Flora White." Flora hesitated for a moment before answering. She was looking at Richard up close for the first time, and she couldn't deny that, superficially, the Smith Family had good genes. He was quite handsome!

"Good, Flora White! Remember that you offended me today!" Richard declared loudly, then suddenly shook his head in confusion, looking at her as if she were a puzzle. "Huh? Flora White? You said your name is Flora? You're Flora?" What's going on?

"Yes, I'm Flora." Flora nodded, finding it somewhat amusing to see him rush to the table.

He quickly picked up a towel and wrapped it around his muscular body. As he stared at Flora, his eyes even revealed a hint of horror as if she was a cannibal.

"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Richard awkwardly laughed and said, "Sorry, I thought you were a maid." Because Flora had her back to him and was sitting down, he couldn't see her belly at all.

However, Flora suddenly had an evil thought and mockingly said, sizing him up, "What's the matter? Is it that Flora can't appreciate your bamboo-like figure? Even if she can, do you need to wrap yourself up so tightly?"

"Hah, I don't know why, but I feel nervous when I see you." Richard scratched his head and laughed foolishly. Although they were roughly the same age, she was his Big Brother's second girlfriend, so he didn't know how to interact with her.

"You don't need to be nervous; I won't do anything to you." Flora chuckled and, after thinking for a moment, spoke again, "Third Young Master, thank you for the chocolates; they're delicious."

"But you haven't eaten any, how do you know they're delicious?" Richard quickly retorted, rolling his eyes in passing.

"Little Young Master told me they're delicious." Flora paused, chuckled apologetically, and said, "I wanted to save them until after the baby is born, but I was afraid I couldn't resist. Luckily, Little Young Master kindly suggested eating them for me."

She wanted to try one, but Maxwell wouldn't allow it. He even passionately explained that it was for her and the baby's well-being. Such deep affection made her feel too embarrassed to sneakily eat them. Now, thinking about it, she seemed to have fallen for his emotional performance.

"I was just teasing you; I guess you can't eat them." Richard's face lit up with a sunny smile, making him particularly dazzling in the sunset. Then, still using a large towel to wipe off the water droplets from his head, he walked to the opposite side of Flora, sat down, and unabashedly began to scrutinize her.

Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Flora was about to say something to tease him when she heard the polite and sweet greetings from a few maids behind her, "Big Young Master, good afternoon."