Max had made a promise to his mother, to honor her memory and ensure her rightful ce in the Hilton family legacy. And so, he had moved mountains to make it happen.


    His recent deration, that he''d give me the world if I asked, was his way of showing that he''d go to any lengths for me too.


    But that only made me more determined to keep him out of the Bravend conflict.


    In front of his mother''s memorial at the Hilton estate, I bowed my head and silently vowed, "Mrs. Hart, if I make it through this alive, I''ll marry Max and settle down for a quiet life away from all this chaos." It felt like a second chance at life needed something monumental; otherwise, what was the point?


    Max also paid his respects, saying, "Mom, I''ve brought her to meet you."


    His words melted my heart, and while I was still figuring out how to tell him I needed to rescue Lily, he was hesitant.


    Turning to him, I bit my lip before finally speaking up, "Max, I promise I''lle back safe. Can you give me a little time?"


    Before he could answer, I kissed him, his arms wrapping around me, trying to break the kiss, but I wouldn''t let him. He seemed to give in, carrying me towards the back of the chapel.


    "Max, no, that''s the Hilton ancestral chapel..."


    "It''s sacred ground."


    "Does that mean you n to lie in front of the divine?"


    My heart skipped a beat. Had Max seen through my n? I thought I''d tire him out and then escape on my own.


    "Why would I lie? But let''s not in the chapel, okay?"


    He smiled, whispering, "There''s a rest room behind the chapel."


    My cheeks flushed red, but I decided to be more forward, perhaps as a way to make up for nning to knock him outter.


    The rest room, often filled with a faint scent of sandalwood from the chapel, felt like a spring breeze, gently stirring emotions.


    My fingers traced his skin, and he gently grabbed my hand. A simple touch sparked an irresistible reaction from both of us.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    In the silence of the rest room, our heartbeats were audible, syncing in rhythm.


    I teased him with every small movement, and he responded,


    tenderness, like walking thr


    fingers running through my hair with


    a


    field in a gentle spring rain


    Our bodies shared a symphony, finding each other in the melody.


    Before I could enact my n, I fell into a deep sleep, hearing Max''s voice, I''ll always support whatever you choose to do, but please don''t leave me waiting alone."


    That''s when I realized the sandalwood was more than just scent.


    Waking up on Max''s private jet, lying across hisp with his hand protectively around my waist, I called out to him, "Max!"


    "Hmm?" His soft response melted my frustration, and I looked down, resigned, "Okay."


    "After kneeling before my mom, can you still say we''re just strangers?"


    I shook my head.


    "Max, the ashes you gave me, were they really my parents''?"


    He nodded, "Yes, they died in Crestview Metropolis, working for the Hilton family. Their hidden


    identities were somehow exposedet


    leading to their death in a car ident meant for ude Hart. I found outter and kept it from you téoprotect you from Bravend''s reach."