?Chapter 182:


    Despite Zoey’s detailed briefing on Chris, the past few days of interaction had led Maia to believe he wasn’t as useless as the rumors made him out to be. In fact, in many ways, he seemed to be quite the opposite. He disyed emotional stability,petence in household chores, attentiveness, and thoughtfulness.


    Maia pressed her lips together and murmured, “About tonight… there were specific reasons I had to introduce you as my neighbor. Thanks for ying along.”


    “You’re wee,” Chris said, a faint smile ying on his lips. Then, with a sudden shift in tone, he asked, “But… does this mean I’ll have to start ying the role of your neighbor from now on?”


    His yful question made Maia’s heart flutter unexpectedly. She had braced for his anger or probing questions after her return, yet he had not responded with the harsh words Elvira had used.


    Nor did he demand an exnation for why she hadn’t introduced him as her husband.


    Instead, his demeanor wasforting, providing her with a reassuring presence.


    “That’s not necessary. Today was just an exceptional circumstance,” Maia responded quickly. “We are legally married, after all. It’s just that with Elvira… well, there are specific reasons to keep this from her right now. I want to avoid unnecessaryplications in our lives.” She let out a quiet sigh.


    Maia hadn’tpleted Zoey’s assignment yet, so contemting a divorce was out of the question at this point. Moreover, since she had married him, the legal reality was that he was indeed her husband.


    After sharing her thoughts, Maia looked at Chris and noted with relief that he appeared understanding. Feeling emboldened, she added, “Elvira tends to jump to conclusions based on rumors, but at heart, she’s just concerned about my well-being. Can you see where she’sing from?”


    “Really, do you believe those rumors about me?” Chris asked, narrowing the space between them.


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    The subtle scent of cedarwood permeated the air, enhancing his already distinct presence. Maia’s pulse quickened once more. He continued, “It doesn’t matter to me what others think. Your opinion is what’s important.” Her heart pounded faster.


    Elvira had formed her opinion of Chris based on hearsay; Maia realized that she had initially done the same.


    She had entered into this marriage at Zoey’s behest, without any real desire to understand him, allowing gossip to color her judgment of him. Sincerity was often betrayed, and rumors were easily believed. The wounds from her past had long since stopped bleeding, but they had carved deep, heavy scars across her heart.


    She had surrounded herself with a protective shell, too afraid of experiencing pain once more to let anyone close. But how much of what Chris had said was true? And how much was nothing but lies? Maia couldn’t say.


    She studied his face, her voice silent for a lengthy period before she finally said, “Mr. Cooper, seeing can be deceptive, and rumors aren’t always reliable. I will only trust my own judgment.”


    “Your judgment?” Chris moved even closer, causing Maia to retreat until she was backed against the kitchen counter.


    Chris, taller than her by a head, lowered his gaze, his expression unreadable. “Your judgment is that I didn’t marry you sincerely, that my attempts to get close to you and everything I’ve done are just for fun. Is that right?”


    Maia found herself speechless. She responded after a moment, her voice strained, “Could it not be?”


    Chris let out a softugh. He rested a hand beside her, reducing the distance until their eyes were on the same level. His intense gaze held her captive.


    He spoke clearly. “Remember what you said — seeing can be deceptive, and rumors aren’t always reliable. How can you be so certain about what I am?”


    Maia was thrown into turmoil. She struggled to argue because his point was valid.


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