When I Left, He Found His Way Back-Chapter 53: We’ve only just started

Jessica’s POV

"Are you lying for her?" I snapped. "Who else would have a grudge against me, to the extent of wanting me seriously wounded? Celine had tried it before, so why can’t she do it again?" I glared at him. My anger that was already subsiding spiked again.

"Listen to me. Celine may have tried to hurt you before, but I’m telling you, she didn’t do it this time," Max said, his voice firm but calm. "And I’m not lying for her. I have proof." He paused, studying me intently. "But before I tell you who was really responsible, you need to promise me one thing."

"What?" I asked.

He leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity. "You need to promise me you’ll never do what you did yesterday. Turning me away because someone else hurt you."

I raised an eyebrow, "Weren’t you the reason that happened? That psycho is ready to skin me alive, and it was all because of you."

"How’s it my fault that she’s crazy? I didn’t tell her to try and kill you," Max said, bewildered.

"She loves you! You made her go crazy for you. So obviously, she can’t leave you!"

He chuckled, as if he couldn’t believe my logic. "How are you sure she’s in love with me? How are you sure I made her go crazy for me? Perhaps there’s more to our relationship than you know. So, don’t jump into conclusions, Jessica. It doesn’t suit you."

"How do you know what suits me?" I rolled my eyes. "Anyway, whatever your issues are, I don’t want to be involved. Sort yourselves out."

He nodded, "I’m doing just that."

Frowning, I asked, "What do you mean?" but he ignored me and took a sip of his water.

"Do we have a deal?" He asked instead.

"I’m not sure about that. Hanging around you seems to be a bad idea. I might not even know how I die. And this is not even about Celine. Your mom likes her. What would she do if she also thinks I’m an ’Obstacle’?"

"That’s not something for you to worry about. I wouldn’t be pulling you into my life if I didn’t have a way of protecting you. Trust me, Jessie."

I sighed, "Fine. I’ll listen."

He smiled. Just then, our order was brought in and the waiter began to arrange the dishes on the table. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted up, and my stomach growled in response.

Max chuckled and gestured to the food. "Shall we eat first, and then I’ll tell you afterwards?" He picked up his fork and began to serve himself, his eyes never leaving mine.

I nodded, and joined in. After the waiter left, the conversation stirred.

"So, how’s your friend? Is he awake?" He started.

It took me a moment to understand who he was talking about. It was Kristen. "Yes, he’s awake."

"That’s good news. The way you cried that day was unsettling," he paused, then continued, "Who is he to you?"

Lifting my gaze I stared at him, "You must have heard his assistant refer to me as his fiance."

He froze for a moment, then smiled, "No, I didn’t. CEO Kristen doesn’t have a woman in his life."

I held his gaze, surprised that he knew who the patient was.

"What? Do you think I wouldn’t know who the patient was?" He scoffed, "Everyone knows his assistant. I know him there, and he identified himself as his assistant, so...?"

My gaze dropped to the food and I began eating, but then he pressed on.

"Seems your relationship isn’t so good."

"What makes you say that?" I asked, my eyes narrowing slightly as I studied him.

Max leaned back in his chair, a knowing glint in his eye. "Well, for one thing, you didn’t correct me when I said CEO Kristen doesn’t have a woman in his life. And for another, you seem rather...unenthusiastic about discussing him."

He paused, his gaze piercing. "Not to mention the fact that you’re having dinner with me, rather than sitting by his bedside."

Rolling my eyes, I retorted, "It wasn’t like I came by choice. You practically dragged me here, remember?"

Max smiled, "Ah, yes. I remember. You were quite...reluctant." He leaned forward, his voice taking on a teasing tone. "But I think you’re starting to enjoy yourself. Just a little."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as Max’s gaze seemed to bore into mine. Why was he so right? I finally got a moment to not think about the troubles that have plagued my life. Just when I thought three troubles were in the forms of my adopted family, Kristen, and Liam were too much, Max entered the mix.

It was overwhelming.

"Don’t read too much into it, Max. There’s nothing wrong with clearing one’s head sometimes. I believe you wanted my company for that reason too," I suddenly said, not wanting him to think he knows me.

Max’s smile faltered for a moment, and he leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yes, I did," he admitted. "I wanted your attention and your company. But I have to admit, I’m enjoying your company more than I thought I would."

"So, tell me, Jessica. What’s up with you and CEO Kristen? Seems your relationship isn’t simple. But I could tell you aren’t dating."

"Curiosity kills the cat, Max."

Max chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Perhaps, but I’m willing to take that risk," he said, leaning forward again. "Besides, I think I’ve already gotten under your skin, haven’t I?"

He smiled when I rolled my eyes at his bullshit. Well, not entirely bullshit. "You’re not very good at hiding your emotions, Jessica. And I have to say, I find that rather...refreshing."

"Whatever makes you feel good." Putting my cutlery down, I drank some water and patted my lips dry. "I’m done eating. Can we head back to school now?"

A downcast look crossed his face. "Already?" Max asked, his voice tinged with disappointment. "I was hoping we could...talk some more." He paused, his eyes searching mine. "I feel like we’ve only just started to scratch the surface, Jessica."

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