Saving the Villain

The next evening, the Blac Family invited the Stone family over for dinner. Maxen was a little surprised at how friendly the Stone family was. They were just like Gretchen and Marcel; very open, welcoming, and so easy to get comfortable with.

They didn't treat Maxen as different, with Gretchen introducing him to their visitor. Cosette was also vivacious, but Conrad kept to himself, as usual. They ate dinner full of laughter until the adults went to have wine while the children went to the garden to hang out.

"You seemed to be in a good mood, Max." Cosette grinned, cupping her cheek with her elbow against the table.

Maxen smiled. "It's just a nice night."

"Are you less nervous now?" she asked, and he nodded. The slight blush on his cheek looked adorable, and Cosette could barely stop herself from kissing him. "I'm happy for you, Max."

"I'm thankful." Maxen's eyes softened, looking at her with love. "Very thankful."

"Max…"

"Cozie." Maxen reached for her hand, squeezing it mildly. "I have a terrible family, so this is kind of new to me. I don't think I can ever repay you for everything."

"You don't have to, silly. Just be happy, and that's the best repayment I can have."

Maxen stared at her subtle smile, and hearing her answer, he couldn't help but wonder about many things. Even before he was born, his father abandoned him for whatever reason. His mother died, and since then, he had to live with his uncle.

That household was hell for him, and that was the reason he fled home at such a young age. For him, he would rather struggle under other people's wickedness than his own relative. Because he wouldn't have to ask himself why the people who should protect him hurt him. But Cosette, she always wished him the best and happiness since the very beginning.

This thought had always been in the back of Maxen's head, but now it resurfaced again. This time, though, he realized Cosette simply wanted the best for everyone but herself. It was as if she wanted everyone to be happy — or rather, have everyone a good ending — while not giving much about hers.

"I want to ask you many questions," he whispered, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. "But Cosette, why?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you always want others to be happy?"

"Because…" she trailed off, watching curiosity fill his beautiful eyes. She smiled subtly, holding his hand back. "Because I am already happy."

"And why are you happy?"

"Because Max is happy."

"Me?"

"Mhm. You."

Maxen furrowed his brows slightly while her lips stretched. This was almost exactly the same answer when he asked her what she saw in him that he couldn't and why she liked him.

"Don't overthink too much, Max." Cosette chuckled, retrieving her hand as she folded her arms over the edge of the table. "I just want everyone to be happy and, you know, have a good life."

Maybe she was just like that, he thought. But for the reason of catching the complexity in her eyes, her reason seemed to be otherwise. Still, Maxen threw that thought at the back of his head.

"Has anyone told you you're too kind?" he inquired in a light tone. "Others might think otherwise and take advantage of you."

"I'm kind, but it's not like anyone can force me to do something I don't like."

"True." Maxen rocked his head, snapping his brows when he caught a figure from the corner of his eyes. There, approaching the table, was Ezekiel after he went to the restroom. "He's also nice, just like you said."

Cosette blinked and followed Maxen's gaze. 'I never thought Max will ever say Zeke is a nice person. He used to talk shit about him in the past.'

"I'm sorry about that." Ezekiel smiled at the both of them, taking the seat across from Maxen and beside Cosette at the round table.

"It's fine. Don't worry about that." Maxen waved dismissively, keeping an amicable smile.

Ezekiel was friendly and never insulted Maxen, just like how Luke and Asher did. He was like Cosette: humble and kind. So Maxen had a good impression of him.

"By the way, I think Uncle Conrad is looking for you," said Ezekiel to Maxen. "I think it's about the security agency he asked you to handle. My grandpa might be retired, but he still has connections to the government."

"Oh." Maxen rocked his head while Cosette's mood turned grim. "Then, I'll check first."

Maxen turned his head to Cosette, and the latter flashed him a smile.

"Don't let them trap you there," she reminded him with a pout, making him chuckle. "Come back quickly."

"Yes." Maxen nodded and then darted his eyes between the two. "I'll be back."

"Alright. Don't worry. Cozie and I will not go anywhere," Ezekiel humored, and with that, Maxen excused himself to meet Conrad inside.

The guest of the manor were nice people, and if Maxen could contribute any help, he wouldn't mind. Moreover, he trusts nothing would happen between Ezekiel and Cosette. They seemed to be neutral, and they were inside the Blac residence.

What could go wrong?

When Maxen left, the little smile on Cosette's face disappeared. She slowly set her eyes on Ezekiel, only to see the latter smile.

"You didn't make that up, did you?" she asked, making his brows raise.

pA n,dan(-)0ve1.c0m "I will be in trouble for lying," he replied with a frown. "How would I know he is handling your security agency if your father didn't mention it?"

"Make sense."

"Cozie, the Blac seemed to really like Maxen, and I am not surprised. Max seemed to be a nice guy."

Cosette arched her brow. "He is."

"That is why I'm a little concerned about him."

"Huh?"

"I mean, I thought you and Asher are in mutual understanding." Ezekiel shrugged, his tone full of innocence. "After all, you slept in his room in the ancestral home. I saw you leaving his room, so I was a little surprised."

Cosette's back froze as her pupils dilated. She stared at Ezekiel blankly, noticing how the corner of his lips curled up into a crafty smirk.

"Don't worry. I will keep this a secret." He grinned. "Don't worry."