Chapter 94: Chapter 94

"Did you see that? I wonder why did she here."

"Not to mention, she was here with a strange masked man."

"She must be seeking attention after stepping down from the election."

"To think that an unmarried woman have a meal with an unknown man. Did she want to make another scandal? The future of Lancia's family is getting darker."

"I thought she was exiled to that barren land."

"Do you mean it's South Island? My husband said that it already changed into tourism spot."

"Ah! Really? Are you sure it wasn't a rumor?"

"My, my. Duke Lancia must have so much money and power to defend his daughter."

"He will do everything he can to protect her. Honestly, it's scary."

Max looking at her calm face with worried look. He wondered why did Cecilia didn't react to the whispering behind her back and focused on the scenery outside the glass window of this dessert café.

"You should've angry with them."

Cecilia's head turned to her interlocutor, "Why? I didn't care."

Max threw his gaze again to the group of noblewomen. The five of them was coming from Count and Viscount families. They must be visited the Capital to attend the banquet.

He made some mental note to punish them as a warning.

Perhaps ruining their business is a good start, he said to himself. Or should I spill their darkest secret to the public? They must be having one or two.

His mind abruptly when Cecilia slowly hold his tighten grip." You can get some wrinkle if keep thinking like that."

"We can go to Hongport, Ligaya, or anywhere else where they couldn't hurt you." He said, while his hand relaxed at her touch.

Now, they look composed and no longer awkward around each other. As if their previous problem was vanished to thin air. Probably, they will laugh at it in the future.

"I promised to join the dinner with Father. Which mean, I should've been home a half hour before dusk. If I come with you to those places, I'll be late for sure because fascinated with their scenery."

Max pouted while his other hand hold his chin before sighed, "But, from all the places, why should you pick this?"

Her brows raised,"Why? Previously, you said that I can pick whatever I want?"

"Yeah, you were right. But, still--,"

"The sweets and coffee here are great. Besides, this is the first place I visit while coming to this world."

Max flinched and take her hand before clasping it with both hand. He planted a gentle kiss to her finger, "I'm sorry."

"Eh? Why?" She asked with a confused look.

The masked man didn't answer and burying his face to Cecilia's hand.

Suddenly, he felt so useless for not noticing this. He knows that Cecilia must be suffering when the first time she come to this place.

The loneliness, embarrassment, confusion or feeling lost of what to do. All the negative thing she got because her current reputation and the mistake she didn't do, must be hard to bear.

Max knew that he is late to this. That's why, this time, he will make the thing up.

"I will treat you something delicious."

"Ah? Is that so? Then, I'll be sincerely anticipating that. Anyway, did you know if next week, Gillian will be married to his fiancé?"

"Oh really? Did you get invited?"

"Of course." She stopped for a moment before continued, "So did Hugo."

Suddenly, he understands. "Aaah. Did he ask you to say that to me?"

"No, no, no. I just… Well, they are growing up together. Their relationships were like sibling."

"I understand."

"Ah! Thank you, Max."

"I'll ask someone to fill the empty position in the office. So, the three of us can go together."

"Wow! You are the best." Her beaming smile almost blinding him. Max wants to do anything to make her smiling like that.

He gently pat her head and stare dagger to the women behind Cecilia's back.

"My! Look at that!"

"I can't believe that she choose that strange man to date."

"That's what happened to a child who live without a mother's guide."

"I agree. If I had a daughter like that, I'll scold her and marry her off with a member of distinguished family before she make another careless mistake."

"The former Duchess will be rose from her grave!"

"A man like him should--,"

But, he can't hear it since Cecilia close both of his ears with her hands. "Don't look like that. You will scare them."

Before he can answer, the waitress come and bring their orders. A cup of black coffee for Max, herb tea for Cecilia and several cookies that served neatly on the three tiers cake's stand.

"The vanilla biscuit is good. You should try some since it not that sweet." She said while she took a bite of the rounded white biscuit.

Max shook his head and sip his coffee, "I'll pass. For now."

"Huh?"

"Please continue your meal, My Lady. Anyway, this coffee is tasty."

"I told so! But, lately, I decrease the intake of it. Mary always scolded me when I drink those."

"Why?" He asked after drank almost a half of his cup.

"It's make me hardly fall asleep at night. Now, Mary always added some milk if I really want to drink one."

"Oh, it was a good idea! It will get lighter taste and became more creamy."

"Yeah, coffee is supposed to be strong and bold, isn't it?"

He laughs lightly, "Unexpectedly, you are a picky eaters."

Their conversation flowing like water and both of them feels that they were become closer than before.

Cecilia and Max left the café after finishing their snacks. Fortunately, the noblewomen didn't follow them. But, she can feel their evil gaze on her way back.

Max helping her to getting into the carriage before he joins too.

"You should come to our dinner." She said when the carriage start moving forward. "My father will be delighted."

Max, who sit beside her, let out a heavy sigh, "I don't think so."

"What do you mean? He really likes you."

"The truth is, I like you more than your father."

She's giggling even tough his expression is serious, "Here we go again, Mr. Smooth Talker."

Instead of answering, Max gently pull her head to kissed her lips.

Cecilia flinched and her eyes widen.

Before she could say anything, Max kissed her again. But this time the kiss is getting deeper until she can taste the coffee.

Unconsciously, her both hand wrapped around his neck. Cutting their distance. Share the warmth between them.

They look at each other when took a breath after the kiss. Max's forehead touch her, and he can feel her sweet breath, "Thank you for the dessert."