Chapter 53

Max took my hand, kissed the back of it, and gazed at me with such deep affection that I almost doubted everything I had discovered and heard. Was it all a lie, just a dream?

What a hypocrite!

In my mind, I imagined exposing his true nature, slapping him across the face, and asking how he could be so heartless.

But that was just a fantasy.

In reality, I looked into his loving eyes and playfully said, "Honey, they say distance makes the heart grow fonder. Maybe when I come back from vacation, our relationship will be even better? Or are you afraid that while I'm in Clanstand, you'll get in touch with your affair?"

Max's face turned serious as he vehemently promised, "How could I do that?! Honey, the mistakes I made in the past will never happen again! The only person I've ever loved is you."

I gave him a half-smile. "Really?"

"Really."

"Then swear to me that everything you've said to me is true. If you're lying, even a single word, may lightning strike you down, may you die a ho