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[ PRESENT TIME ]

Cosette hugged her knees, sitting in the middle of the bed, lights off. The only source of light was the light from outside, filtering through the window. After the drama she had caused, Cosette was assisted to her room. To avoid questions from them, she asked them for some space and time.

"Maxen was the worse when jealous," she whispered, resting her chin on her knees. "I feel guilty."

Cosette wasn't the nicest person there was in this world. She had done things she considered unforgivable. Especially in her previous life; Cosette blamed herself for how things went down. It all started because of her, and thus, as repentance, she wanted to save everyone, starting from Maxen.

That was why she was scared and resorted to extreme ways to frame Ezekiel. It was not a good reaction, but she deemed it necessary.

"Max…" Cosette pursed her lips, burying her face into her knees.

Cosette didn't notice how much time had passed, but what she was certain of was that the night would only go deeper. When she decided, Cosette raised her head and flung her legs out of the bed. She had to trust Maxen that he would understand if she told him about that weekend with Asher.

'I have a clear conscience,' she told herself, huffing, repeating those words over and over in her head. However, just as she reached the door and held the knob, Cosette stopped. She wanted to continue, but each step felt heavy.

"I have a clear conscience," she whispered again. "But what am I hesitating?"

Deep in her heart, Cosette knew she loved Maxen and there was never a time she felt attracted to anyone else. Sure, she appreciated the Quinn's beauty, but that was it. So, why was she hesitating?

"I don't want to break him again." That was her answer, lowering her eyes as her grip on the knob tightened. 'He already broke so many times in the past and even before we met in the present. Seeing him get hurt will be… torturous.'

Yes. The reason Cosette never mentioned it to him was not that she was scared Maxen would get angry, but because he might misunderstand. She didn't want him to question himself anymore or hurt him. She wanted to trust that he had changed and was stronger now; that their love was not as fragile as it was before.

But what if the result wasn't positive?

"Cosette." Cosette hung her head low, eyes closed. She let out a deep breath until she could calm herself down. "You might be sixteen, but you have to act your real age. Come on. Just spread your legs if you think words aren't enough to reassure him."

Cosette gave herself much advice, cheering herself up, and encouraging her to do what was right. It was better if this came from her and not from other people. After all, even if she got rid of Ezekiel, Asher could tell Maxen if they met again.

'Yes. It's better that he will get this from me and not from others. I don't want another unnecessary drama in this story.' Cosette raised her eyes and nodded encouragingly. She gritted her teeth and twisted the knob, pulling it wide open.

As soon as she did, Cosette flinched at the figure standing in front of the door. She slowly raised her eyes and the moment she met Maxen's eyes, her brows rose.

"Max?" she called, making him lower his fist as if he was about to knock on the door. "What are you doing here?"

"I…" Maxen looked at the hallway before setting his eyes back on her. "... snuck in."

"Huh?"

"I know you wanted some time alone after what happened this evening, but I want to make sure you're fine," he explained, shrugging. "How are you feeling?"

"Uh… I'm okay."

"Really?"

Cosette pursed her lips into a thin line, staring deep into his eyes. "No. Not really."

"I knew it." Maxen smiled subtly, spreading his arms. "Hug?"

"Max…"

"I'm not telling you to tell me what happened or anything of the sort." His smile remained, but his eyes softened. "I am simply offering a hug in case you need it, but if not, then that's fine. You don't have to tell me anything, I just want to be there for you if you need me."

Her eyes softened at his thoughtful remarks, but at the same time, a pang of guilt clenched her heart. Was it really alright not to tell him anything?

'No. He deserved to know the truth,' was what her brain told her, and she mentally nodded. That was right. Whatever the result, she had to accept it because she was careless… or perhaps, she just trusted Asher so much he wouldn't do such a thing even if she stripped in front of him.

Her relationship with Asher might be complicated, but Cosette couldn't really hate the guy. Asher was pitiful, and at the back of her head, she was convinced Asher also deserved the same second chance they all had. If the villain and the villainess got to have a second chance, the male lead, who turned dark because of them also needed salvation.

"Ezekiel didn't do anything to me," Cosette breathed out, preparing her heart to this confession. "But he knows something which he thought he could use against me."

Deep lines appeared in between Maxen's brows, tilting his head to the side. However, he didn't speak and only listened to anything that she was about to say.

"That weekend, I accompanied Asher for a couple of drinks, but I ended up sleeping in his room." She held her hands tightly on her side, forcing these words out, and mentally wincing at how wrong they sounded. "Ezekiel knew that, and that's why I —"

"Did something happen?" he cut her off with the most important question.

"No." Cosette shook her head. "I swear nothing like that happened, Max. I know it sounds wrong and it's hard to believe someone's words —"

Cosette was once again cut off when Maxen took a step forward, his body blanketing hers, embracing her tightly.

"Who said you are just someone?" he whispered, pulling her body closer. "If you say nothing happened, then nothing happened. I trust you, Cozie. I know you won't do anything that will hurt me."

Maxen leaned the side of his head against hers. "Don't be sad anymore. Your conscience is clear and I know that."

"Max…" Cosette clutched his back and her lips quivered. Tears began to pool in her eyes, relieved and touched that he didn't even hesitate to trust her words.

"Mhm. Don't cry." Maxen stroked her back gently, letting her tears dampen his shoulder. When she calmed down a bit, Maxen drew his head back and cupped her cheek. "Though, I need to hear it."

"Hmm?" her brows rose, only to see him smile.

"That you love me."

"Of course." Her eyes softened, but the certainty in them was apparent. "I love you, Maxen. Just you."

He nodded in satisfaction. "That's enough for me." Maxen stared into her eyes, tilting his head to the side, planting his lips on her. o