Chapter 72: Chapter 72

Cecilia can't sleep. Tomorrow is the launching day of South Island's Ranch Resort, and she can't help but nervous.

That's why she chose to take some fresh air while using her dark hooded robe. She walks to the stable that already finished.

All of the horses sleeping soundly in it. They look healthier since the grass problem already solved, thanks to her Uncle.

Never crossed in her dream that they will became friends like this.

Everything seems different than the first time she came to this island.

And she doesn't know that her relationship with Max will come to this way.

Cecilia smiled while she's rubbing the horse's head. "If I remember correctly, this place is the first time I met with Max on this island. Tsk, I missed him!"

"Me too." Said someone on her back.

Cecilia quickly turned her head and can't hide her excitement. "Max!''

"Good evening, My Lady. So, this is what you do when I'm not around? Cheating with the horses."

She giggled. "You came so early. The ceremony is tomorrow."

"Too bad. I come to find my fiancé. Did you see her?" Max rubbing his chin and pretend like he think of something.

Cecilia chose to play along, "How did she look like? Perhaps, I can help you to find her."

"Well, she is a cute lady who still look cute even she is angry. Has huge appetite and probably, that why she gained a weight."

"Hey! I'm not gaining any weight. After arriving on this island, I never skip my sword training!"

Max approached her and with quick movement, he carries her in his arm.

"MAX!" Cecilia snapped and, reflexively, wrap her arms around his neck.

"Ack, Chili! You are heavier than I thought."

"Put me down!" She rolled her purple eyes.

"Nope, I need a muscle exercise and this is perfect!"

Cecilia let out a heavy sigh and pinched his left cheek for a second before crossed her arm, "It's been long time, and you became more annoying!"

"And you became more beautiful. With those cute dark circle around your eyes."

"I can't sleep these days." She said and, casually, put her head on his shoulder. "There are so many things that haunted me."

Max smiled, "Do you want to eat something?"

"Hmm, I don't know. Something sweet, maybe."

"Like your smile?"

"Max, seriously, you need to stop being cheesy."

"What? Why should I? Since a certain someone cast me away."

"Who?" Cecilia narrowed her brows.

"Of course, you. You said that I should go back to the Capital because it ruined your focus."

"Wait. You said that you were busy to doing something. That's why I said it. So, we can focus on our thing."

Max wrinkled his forehead before he's blinking fast as if he remembers something important.

It was his word that blurt out from his stupidity. Seem he has to tasted his own medicine.

"Ah... I see. Yes, it's... settled, now."

Cecilia give him a wide smile." Great! Anyway, did Hongport sell chaltteok?"

"Cal... What?"

"It's a round shaped sweet made from glutinous rice flour. Contains steamed red bean or pine nuts. Usually, it served in several colors."

"Hmm. I think I know something like that."

"Yeay! Put me down, then."

"Eh? Why? I don't let you walk, tonight. Tomorrow is a big day, so you can't be tired."

"You must be kidding me."

"No, I'm deadly serious. Besides, I want to tell everyone in this world that you are mine. You are so special to me, Chili."

Max's eyes sparkling brightly and somehow, she feels guilty.

For her, living as Cecilia giving so many things she didn't have before. Wealth, family, and love.

She loves him, undoubtedly. But, she isn't Cecilia. A dark thought creeping her mind again.

If she was Ji Eun, will a man like Max come and love her like this?

"Chili? Why are you crying? Are you angry?" He asked with a worried look.

But, it makes her cry louder.

"O-okay, I will put you down."

However, Cecilia's arms wrapped his neck tightly. As if she didn't want to let his go.

"Wa-wait." He holds her body with one hand, meanwhile his free hand looking a handkerchief in his pocket. "Chili, let me wipe your tears."

"I'm… sorry." She said while facing him.

Max's hand slowly wipe her tear with that white silk cloth.

"My, you are crying like a newborn baby. Honestly, you are different from what I heard. Those rumors were stupid! A girl like you will never hurt a fly."

"What do you mean?"

"Last year, I heard something about you. They said you are an evil woman. That time, well, let's just said that I dislike you.

Then I accidentally met you, in the back alley, asking an apology to Miss Jenkin and showing your 'acting skill', I became curious.

That's why I accept Duke's request to be your guardian. Honestly, it's the best choices I ever made. Chilly, ah, no. Cecilia, meeting you is a bliss to me."

His tender gaze makes her feel guilty. Then she let out a heavy sigh and choose to not lying anymore.

Too bad, this relationship will be over before even started, she thought to herself. But, I'm blessed because able to feel this love…

"Max, there is something I need to say. But, first, can you put me down?"

This time, he obediently did what she said. "What is it? Suddenly, you look so serious."

"To tell you the truth, I'm not Cec--,"

"Young Miss? Where are you?" Mary's voice seems distant, but Cecilia can feel her urgency.

"Max, I should go now."

"I will wait here. In case you need me, just call my name."

She nodded before left. Mary was calling her from the backyard. Her face looks so pale. A sweat broke in her forehead.

"Mary, what happened?"

The maid looks so relieved when see her arrivals. With a wide step, she approached and grasp her hand tightly. Cecilia flinched when Mary's cold hand touched her.

"Miss! Something bad happened!"

"Mary, please calm down." But she was trembled in fear and Cecilia has to hold her back to prevent her for passing out.

"Young Miss, what we have supposed to do? Someone… someone broke off the Baron's office and tried to kill him!"