"Oh... that's good news," Emmelyn gushed.

Maxim felt the warmth fill his heart when he saw her relieved expression. He missed her smile and her carefree attitude. From the first moment they were reunited in Lakeshire, Emmelyn had been sad and closed off.

She was no longer that happy-go-lucky woman who would think of everything as an opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest. Couldn't blame her, of course. Anyone in her shoes would lose all their spark and zest for life.

It was commendable that Emmelyn hang on for a long time because she was thinking about her daughter. Today... she was finally smiling sweetly again.

This is the Emmelyn that Maxim remembered and loved.

He was happy to see her feel better. From now on, she deserved to be happy.

"It is," Maxim replied with a smile. "You have no idea how relieved I was. I have never felt that happy being rejected by a woman.. hehehe..."

Maxim was a good liar. He was always good with words and he could lie without batting an eye. What mattered now was Emmelyn could be reunited with her family and left Castilse as soon as possible, away from Maxim.

He wouldn't be able to see her happy with Mars Strongmoor. The pain was just too great. Maxim could lie now, and act like everything was fine. But, if he had to fake his feelings for a long time, it would be too hard.

He must ensure Emmelyn recovered well and she could leave with her family.

"So, you finally met Elise...?" Emmelyn asked Maxim. "What did she look like? Did she look like her painting?"

Maxim nodded. "Yeah. She is so beautiful and elegant, like in the painting. Maybe even better. I guess that's why she rejected me. She thought she is too good for me."

When Emmelyn asked that question, Maxim decided to just wing it and say whatever about Elise, in order to convince Emmelyn that he and Elise mutually decided to end their betrothal. It seemed working because Emmelyn nodded and looked at him with a pitiful gaze.

"Ohh.. so, she said she is too good for you?" Emmelyn sighed. "That's such a pity. She didn't know you are such a good man. It's her loss, really."

"What now?" Maxim chuckled. "Do you want her to be attracted to me and insisted on the marriage?"

Emmelyn shook her head and smiled faintly. "No... I was just being silly. If she was a great woman and she is also as beautiful as her painting, I thought you would fall in love with her and she would feel the same way about you because you are a great man. It's just my silly mind, okay... don't think about it."

The truth was, from the moment Emmelyn saw Elise's painting, she thought Elise was really beautiful and elegant. She also looked like a very patient, gentle, and loving woman.

If Emmelyn was a man, she would think Elise was a very attractive woman and would agree wholeheartedly with the betrothal. Secretly, she hoped Maxim would fall for Elise. She knew how much it would mean to Queen Maude.

Wouldn't it be amazing if that's what happened?

"Anyway.. let's not talk about her. She is already part of the past," Maxim changed the subject. "How do you feel now? Do you need anything? What about food?"

"Uhmm... I just feel tired and want to sleep," Emmelyn said to Maxim. "Maybe we can eat together later? I would like to properly introduce you to my husband and daughter."

"We've already met." Maxim's forehead winced and he wanted to object, but seeing Emmelyn's since gaze, he couldn't say no. Finally, he nodded. "You should rest if you are really tired. I will leave you for now."

"Uhmm.. thank you. Is Kira still here?" Emmelyn asked Maxim. She was pleased when she saw him nod. "Could you please get Kira for me? I want to see her. It's been a long time since we talk."

"Yeah.. she is worried about you too," Maxim got up from the chair and called Kira to come in. The pirate princess was so thrilled when she saw Emmelyn sat on the bed, leaning on the headboard.

She hugged Emmelyn carefully, worried that she would crush the frail-looking woman. Maxim decided to leave the two women and went to check on his mother's condition.

Queen Maude was found in the capital three days ago after Maxim ordered her search based on Stevan's confession. Her health was very poor and now she could only stay in bed to recuperate.

Maxim had ordered the prime minister and General Longfellow to process the punishment for the traitors by themselves. He didn't want to dirty his hands with those fools. Not when he had his ailing mother to worry about.

***

When Mars returned with Harlow, he found Emmelyn was sleeping again on her bed. However, this time, her cheeks looked rosy and no longer pale like before. Zaff, the physician also confirmed to him that Emmelyn was not sleeping like before. She was just tired and would wake up soon.

Mars decided to sit by her bedside all day, waiting for Emmelyn to wake up again, so they could eat together.

During the time, Mars slowly and carefully talked to Harlow and let her know that Emmelyn was her mother. He did it in a way that showed to his daughter how much he loved her and Harlow would always be the most important person in his heart.

When Emmelyn woke up for dinner, Mars decided to give Harlow to his wife again and let them bond. It was a bit awkward in the beginning, but slowly, Harlow could feel the warmth and love this older woman showed her.

She no longer saw Emmelyn as her competition. Mars was very relieved to see the progress.

"Honey... Horatio, the butler told me that we are invited to late dinner by the king," Mars spoke to Emmelyn. "I will get Harlow to sleep so we can go together. A servant will come and watch over her while we eat dinner."

"Yeah. I asked Maxim to have dinner together with us," Emmelyn nodded. "I wanted to introduce your guys properly."

"Sounds good." Initially, Mars wanted to refuse, but finally, he decided to do whatever would make Emmelyn happy.. Even though he still didn't like Maxim, for Emmelyn's sake, Mars would act polite and civil toward him.

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