Chapter 65

     Priscilla's POV 

Tears streamed down my face as I debated whether sharing the truth with Max was a mistake. However, confessing to him lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders. The constant nightmares, voices, and screams in my head were unbearable. Max remained silent after I finished speaking, and I feared he would leave me, just like my mother did. I knew the truth was difficult to accept, but I couldn't bear the guilt alone. I understand that I deserve everyone's hatred, as I not only avenged my mother but also took someone's son, father, and brother away. This fact consumes me with guilt. I cannot live with this burden.

Tears streamed down my face as I tried to speak through my sobs. "I understand if you want to leave! I won't stop you," I said, bracing myself for the inevitable. I tried to pull away from his embrace, but his arms tightened around me, holding me in place.

"Why do you think I will leave after what you've told me?" His voice was soft and comforting, and his hand moved gently through my hair.

"Because I'm not a good person, and I don't deserve anyone in my life after everything I have done," I whispered, feeling ashamed and unworthy.

"You are not a bad person, Priscilla," he said firmly, lifting my chin with his hand so I had to look into his eyes. "You are the bravest young lady I've ever seen. You did something I couldn't do. You fought for your mother. It might not have been in a good way, but you stood up for your mother at such a tender age, which makes me admire your courage. You are strong, fierce, and fearless, and I admire you for that a lot." As he spoke, his hand moved from my chin to my hair, stroking it gently as he held me close.

I didn't know if he was saying these things just to make me feel better or if he truly meant them, but at that moment, it didn't matter. All that mattered was the warmth of his embrace and the comfort of his words.

We lay there in silence, both of us lost in our thoughts. Max always had a calming effect on me and being with him made me forget all my worries and problems. 

"Priscilla, are you still mad at me?" Max's voice cut through the silence, jolting me out of my reverie. I didn't know if I was still mad at him or not, but I didn't want him to get too close to me.

"I don't think we should talk about that right now," I replied quietly, not wanting to hurt his feelings but also wanting to keep my distance.

"It's okay if you're still mad at me, I understand," Max said, reaching out to smooth my hair. Despite my reservations, I couldn't help feeling guilty for being distant from him. I didn't know why I felt so sad whenever he was hurting or going through a tough time.

"Max," I hesitated, avoiding the conversation. I needed to know if he was responsible for the attempted kidnapping. "Did you by chance send someone to kidnap me?"

Max pulled away from our embrace and sat up in bed, causing me to sit up as well. "I did send my men to look for you, but they didn't find you! Did something happen?" he asked, his brow furrowing. So it wasn't him who sent that person. Who was he and what did he want from me? Did those men find me? Panic set in, and my heart started racing. What would I do if they did find me?

"Priscilla, what happened? Was someone following you?" Max's urgent tone snapped me out of my daze. I looked at him, uncertain about whether or not to tell him the truth. I was scared right now, and honesty seemed like the best option. But I didn't want him to worry about my problems.

"Priscilla, I'm talking to you. Answer my questions, will you?" Max asked again, his concern evident in his eyes.

"Someone tried to kidnap me a few days ago, and I thought you had sent them. But don't worry about it; maybe it was just someone pulling a prank on me," I decided to lie, withholding certain details. He didn't need to know more than necessary.

"This is exactly why I was so worried about you. How can you take this so lightly? What if something had happened to you?" Max's worry was palpable, and I could only imagine what he would have done if I had told him the truth.

"You don't need to worry about me. I can take care of myself, and I think it's time for you to leave now," I said, realizing that I had called him because I was feeling down and needed someone to talk to. Talking to him has helped me feel better.

"If you're still mad at me, I understand. And I'll respect your decision if you don't want to move back in with me. But I'm determined to move in with you," Max said, and I frowned. He couldn't be serious right now. I looked at him in disbelief.

"Don't give me that look because I'm not changing my mind," Max stated, getting up from the bed. "I'm going to make you something to eat and prepare a warm bath for you. After that, I'm sure you'll relax and fall asleep soon." With that, he disappeared from the room. I sighed, realizing that he had already invited himself in, and I couldn't exactly chase him away. At least I wouldn't be going back to his house. I got up from the bed and decided to take a bath. I had been sitting here, eating chocolate, without having any real food or taking care of myself. I must have looked terrible.

As I entered the bathroom, I undressed and turned on the water for a quick warm shower. Once I finished, I stepped out of the bathroom, wearing only a towel wrapped around my body. I was sure Max wasn't back yet.

After bringing out a new set of clothes consisting of nightie shorts and an oversized shirt with a big bear on it. I placed my clothes on the bed and let the towel fall off my body, the door was pushed open. My eyes widened, I didn't expect Max to come back so soon.

"Can't you knock?!" I yelled, scrambling to grab whatever I could find on the bed to cover myself. I knew it wasn't enough, but I had to do something to shield my embarrassment from Max's gaze. The heat rushed to my face as he continued to stare at me, not even bothering to look away. What was wrong with him?

The sound of my voice echoed through the empty room as I called out Max's name. He seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on me without any sign of moving away. 

"I'm sorry, I should have knocked," Max stammered, still unable to look away from me. My anger flared, and I felt a rush of heat flood my face. What was the point of apologizing if he couldn't stop staring at me like a piece of meat? 

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. My patience was being tested, and I needed to remain calm. "It's fine, Max," I said, my voice low and measured. "But can you please leave my room now so I can get dressed?" 

Max's eyes widened, and he took a step closer to me. "Why should I look away from such a goddess-like body?" he said, his voice low and seductive. "It's so flawless and beautiful that I can't keep my eyes away from such a magnificent view." 

My heart pounded in my chest, and I could feel my resolve slipping. Max was falling too fast, and it scared me. I didn't believe in love, and I didn't want to get hurt. Despite my feelings, I knew I had to push him away.