Whispers of Destiny: His Belated Love

Victoria frowned, "Rosemary, about this."

But just then her phone rang, undoubtedly saving her from the urgent dilemma!

She stepped away to answer the call and soon hurried back to Rosemary, "Rosemary, I'm sorry, today's issue was my fault. There was indeed a problem with the painting on my end."

Rosemary was wondering how Victoria changed her stance just by taking a call, when she saw Victoria put her phone on speaker, "Could you repeat what you just told me?"

Tracy's voice came through: "I'm so sorry, Victoria. I accidentally spilled water on it but dried it off immediately. I meant to let you know, but got caught up and it slipped my mind. Is the painting a big deal?"

At that, Rosemary raised an eyebrow, "Well, what a coincidence? Ms. Temple and I were just discussing this, and then you ring up."

The insinuation was clear to anyone listening.

"Ms. Chambers, this screw-up was on me. If you're gonna blame someone, blame me. It has nothing to do with Victoria."

"Alright then, let's leave it at that."

Since Tracy took the blame, there was no point in Rosemary pursuing it further. Victoria had already lost face today, pushing it might just flip the script and make her a victim, winning her some pity points.

Clearly, Victoria was still processing when Rosemary, linking arms with Pearl, left to join the guests.

Thus, a drama that wasn't quite a farce wrapped up.

Maxwell watched the mother-daughter duo, all smiles and laughter, about to join them when he caught a glimpse of Martin's gaze seemingly fixated on Rosemary.

He paused his steps, "What, got regrets?"

Martin snapped back to reality, confused, "Regret what?"

"Regret not taking her up on her offer when she came knocking."

Martin caught the jealousy in Maxwell's words and chuckled, a rare instance to hear Maxwell speak to him in such a tone.

Feeling amused, Martin joked, "As you said, I might actually have some regrets. If I had thought it through, she could've been Mrs. Gellar by now, huh?"

Maxwell looked at him, noting Martin's usual cool demeanor, yet something seemed different.

His gaze fell to the watch half-hidden by Martin's sleeve. Whatever he thought, Maxwell cracked a smile, "In that case, I owe it to that watch of yours."

Martin glanced at his watch, "What's up with it?"

He took it off, examined it closely. Apart from being pricey, there was nothing special about it.

And just then, Rosemary, who was passing by, overheard their conversation, especially the word "watch," and her complexion changed in a flash!

She let go of Pearl and walked quickly towards Maxwell, almost crashing into him in her haste and high heels.

Unprepared, Maxwell instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her from falling.

"It's Mom's birthday party, how could you let the two of us women handle the drinking and socializing?" All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Rosemary looked up, her alcohol-laced breath brushing against Maxwell's jawline.

He looked down slightly,, catching a glimpse of her moist, rosy lips, and the glint in her eyes, which were especially alluring under the lights.

Before he could respond, she had taken his arm, dragging him away without another word.

From others' perspective, it seemed a wife was coquettishly indulging with her husband, who was spoiling her in return.

But the reality was Rosemary was pinching Maxwell's arm hard enough to leave a bruise!

And that was through two layers of clothing; indicating how much force she was using.

"If you dare bring up that watch again, we're done," she hissed under her breath, face turned away so no one could see.

Maxwell narrowed his eyes, remaining silent.

Seeing him not respond, Rosemary thought her threat had worked, becoming more confident, "You hear me?"

"Mrs. Templeton," his voice low and slightly raspy, "Your makeup has rubbed off on me."

Rosemary stepped back, moving away from Maxwell's embrace.

She had fair skin and only needed a light touch of makeup, but Maxwell was in a black suit, and the slightest white mark stood out.

Rosemary fell silent for a few seconds before turning a threat into earnest advice, "If you ever want to get married again, you'd better keep quiet now. The one looking bad won't be me; I'm not from a prestigious family."

"I've got money; who dares to say a bad word about me?"

Maxwell then said something Rosemary couldn't refute, yet was extremely annoying, "As for remarrying, you should worry more about yourself. Poor, penniless, and perhaps even aging."

In that moment, Rosemary felt like she was about to have a coronary, unable to utter a word for quite some time.

Maxwell didn't continue the topic, but glanced at Martin, who was still chitchatting nearby, "You really don't want me to mention that matter again?"

"Yeah." She grumbled, squeezing out the word.

"Then give me a kiss."

Rosemary's eyes widened in shock, looking up at him. Maxwell's handsome face was highlighted by the lighting, his gaze fixed on her.

Feeling a tad awkward under her stare, he pressed his lips together, "Don't overthink it. Mom's watching; we've got to put on a show."

Rosemary turned and indeed met Pearl's smiling gaze.

Well, the man is a born actor, always mindful of the "camera.”

After a few silent seconds, Rosemary tiptoed closer. Maxwell's hand hovered at her waist, and as she stood on her toes, the soft fabric brushed his palm, sending a peculiar tingle to his heart.

As she drew near, a gentle sweet fragrance filled his nostrils.

Rosemary didn't kiss his lips but brushed past his cheek, whispering provocatively into his ear, "You're thinking about nonsense."

Maxwell didn't expect a seemingly well-mannered Rosemary in front of him to utter such vulgar, street talk. His face instantly darkened, about to preach, when Rosemary stepped back several paces.

She looked as if disgusted. "I'll go keep Mom company with the guests."

She thought she could just play him and just leave?

Maxwell couldn't let her have her way; he extended his hand, pulled her back into his embrace, and without another word, lowered his head to kiss her lips.

But since they were in public, he didn't go all out—just a light peck. "I'm thinking about nonsense, huh?"

What was there to even think about? He could do that effortlessly.

Rosemary froze. She felt like she'd just been mocking her!

"Maxwell."

Victoria's voice came crashing through the moment, sounding utterly shocked and incredulous.

Everyone knew that Maxwell was all about self-control and propriety. Not to mention kissing in public, even a gesture as simple as holding hands was avoided, and he was gentlemanly and aloof

in private.

Thinking back on their two-year relationship, the only close contact they ever had was linking arms, and that was it.

Rosemary was was initially upset that Maxwell had taken advantage of her, but seeing Victoria instantly improved her mood. She even reached out, wrapped her arms around the man's neck, and kissed him again!

Her kiss was not a mere peck; her nimble tongue glided across his tightly closed lips, trying to pry them apart.