บท 23: Are You Proposing?!

As soon as the engine started, Max leaned on his back and looked outside the window. He cleared his mind while watching the busy people beside the streets.

Athasia didn't budge. She observed the male lead's face reflecting on the car window. It seems like the young man wasn't pleased at all.

Max's car had a thin glass wall separating them from the driver for private conversation purposes. And based on Athasia's smirking lips, it was the right time to use that privacy.

She crossed her arms. "So, what do you want from me?" she asked.

The young, handsome man didn't answer immediately. As if he was also asking himself why he dragged Athasia with him. It was too sudden that his mind didn't find the words to say after pushing the young lady inside the car.

However, since the two of them knew each other, as well as each one's family, Max found it easy to say.

"I hate engagements," only three words, but seems heavy for his breaths.

Athasia shrugged. "Who would love that? Of course, it's a pain in the ass." she said it consciously and unconsciously that even herself got surprised.

She cleared her throat, "I-I mean..If you don't like the other party, that's quite reasonable,"

Hearing herself, she was taken aback. 'Wait? What did I just say? Engagements? With whom?' Athasia cupped her chin and pondered.

In her novel, Athasia was the one who got an arranged engagement to the male lead. Of course, it's a given that Max will reason out since he rejected Athasia. But if Max tried to escape now, then who's the ones in their house?

'It's not my father, right?'

The car stopped, and the doors opened.

"We have arrived, young miss and young master," the one who seemed familiar with Max said.

Athasia hopped out of the car, and so did Max. Judging from the exterior design, the place was wide. More like a mansion type. The pathway was made of different stones. Thick shaped bushes side by side and a fountain on the left corner.

They headed to the main entrance, and all of the servants bowed their heads. The maids were surprised and their eyes lit up as soon as they recognized the pretty young lady walking beside Max.

A butler came rushing to them. "Young Master!" His breath was quite heavy and his expression was gloomy. "I'm glad you're here.." when his eyes caught a glimpse of Athasia, he bowed. "Young Miss Rymerton? It's been a while. Nice to see you again," he gave a sweet smile.

"Alfred, right?" She recognized the character of this butler immediately. Just like her, Max also had a personal butler.

Alfred nodded, "Sorry for the rush. I didn't know that the young master had a visitor today. I will inform Master Svestin. Please excuse me."

When the butler disappeared from their sight, Max and Athasia went to the living room. The maid served some snacks and juice.

Max didn't touch the food. He remained in his seat, composed. While Athasia took a biscuit and ate it carelessly. Who cares if the male lead was stressed? It's not like she will feel pity towards him.

A figure appeared in front of them after a couple of minutes. Tall man in black hair with the shade of gray strands, showing that he's already in his early 40s. He had slanted blue eyes and wrinkles on his forehead.

Athasia gulped and stood. "Uncle Maxwell!!" her eyes brightened while waving her hands.

Maxwell Svestin, the male lead's father who was indulged in business. He often spent most of his time traveling abroad. That's why Maximilian was stuck to homeschooling and learned the business world despite his age.

Maxwell smiled, showing how grateful he was upon seeing the young lady. "Athasia, how are you, my dear?" He approached her and ruffled her hair. "How's your school? Doing good?"

The young miss nodded her head. "Actually, I was out with my friends because of a school presentation," she stated, taking her seat as the man also sat across from them.

Maxwell was a strict father to his only son. It's not surprising if he urged Max to prepare for his future, now that they're already in legal age. His gaze went to his son. "Max, where have you been?"

His stern words made Max more uneasy. "I went outside with her.." he replied, not even looking at Athasia's eyes.

'So this is what you want to play huh,' a smirk secretly curved on the young miss' lips. She didn't budge or show that she was surprised. Athasia was already expecting this, and she will for sure charge Max about this.

"Yes, Uncle Maxwell. We went outside to discuss our presentation and grabbed some coffee on the way," she explained very well.

'But Olivia was with him a while ago, right? Why did they separate ways?'

Well, since it's not her concern, she brushed Max's words with lies too. The older man didn't suspect it, but the disappointment was still fresh on his face.

Maxwell faced his son and talked in his serious tone, "Maximilian, why didn't you answer your phone earlier? I've been calling you,"

The younger man frowned, "I'm busy, we're doing our presentation.."

His father sighed. "I guess it can't be helped. Our guests already took their leave. I will arrange another one this next weekend."

To their surprise, Max sprang from the sofa. With his fist into a ball, he heaved a deep breath. "Father, please stop arranging my engagements." he finally said.

Athasia munched the last piece of her cookie, watching the drama in front of her unfold. She surely enjoys this. She never thought that she would also get the chance to see this father and son side of the story.

Maxwell ceased his forehead, "What do you mean? Are you at your rebellious pace already? This is for your future, Max." He reasoned out, brushing his temples. He only got enough time to spend with his son. He's always abroad, so it's hard for him to settle this again.

Maximilian affirmed his own words. He faced his father with a serious face. "Then I want it to be her!" he blurted out. "If you're gonna arrange me with someone, then make it Athasia,"

The young miss, who was about to deliver another cookie to her mouth, froze.