Chapter 32

I had gone to my apartment to get some clothes since I'll be staying over. I informed cherry and left with Max .

Making my way to the bedroom, I couldn't help but marvel at the elegance that surrounded me. The bed, adorned with sumptuous linens and soft pillows, looked like a haven of tranquility, a welcome respite from the chaos of the outside world.

As I settled into the cozy embrace of the bed, exhaustion began to wash over me, pulling me into the realm of dreams. Yet, sleep brought no solace, only haunting memories of my past.

In my dream, I found myself wandering through a dark corridor, shadows looming ominously around me. Each step I took echoed with a sense of foreboding, as if the darkness itself were closing in.

Suddenly, a wave of fear washed over me, paralyzing me with its intensity. I struggled to find an escape, my heart pounding in my chest as panic gripped me.

In the darkness, I could feel a malevolent presence lurking, a familiar figure from my past. Uncle Frederick, his eyes filled with malice, reached out toward me, his intentions clear.

With a sharp gasp, I jolted awake, the weight of my nightmares still heavy upon me. Beside me, Maxwell stirred, his presence a comforting anchor in the darkness.

Concern etched in his features, he gently asked what was troubling me. In the safety of his embrace, I poured out my fears, the memories of past trauma threatening to overwhelm me.

"I'm here for you, Kenzy," he whispered, his voice a soothing balm to my troubled soul. "You're safe with me. I won't let anything harm you."

As his arms wrapped around me, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, the warmth of his love chasing away the shadows that lingered in my mind.

As the morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room, Maxwell and I lingered in the comfort of his luxurious apartment. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I busied myself in the kitchen, preparing a hearty breakfast for us both.

Maxwell watched me with a fond smile, his gaze filled with affection as he leaned against the countertop. "You're quite the chef, Kenzy," he remarked, his voice laced with admiration. "I must say, I'm lucky to have you here."

I chuckled softly, feeling a flutter of warmth in my chest at his words. "Well, I aim to please," I replied, flashing him a playful grin as I flipped a pancake expertly in the pan. "Besides, cooking is one of the few things I'm actually good at."

As I plated the food and set it on the table, Maxwell's expression grew thoughtful, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes. "Kenzy, I couldn't help but notice..." he began, his voice trailing off hesitantly.

I turned to face him, a curious expression on my face. "Notice what?" I prompted, my curiosity piqued by the sudden change in his demeanor.

"Well, last night..." Maxwell hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "You called out a name in your sleep. Uncle Frederick, I believe it was."

The mention of that name sent a shiver down my spine, memories of past trauma stirring uneasily within me. I forced a tight smile, trying to brush off his concern. "It's nothing, really," I replied, my voice strained. "Just a bad dream, that's all."

Maxwell's gaze softened, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow. "Kenzy, you don't have to hide things from me," he said gently, reaching out to grasp my hand in his. "I care about you, and I want to help in any way I can."

I sighed, feeling a rush of emotions welling up inside me. Part of me wanted to confide in him, to share the weight of my past burdens. But another part feared the vulnerability that came with revealing my deepest scars.

"It's complicated, Max," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "There are things in my past... things I'd rather not talk about."

Maxwell nodded understandingly, his touch a comforting presence against my skin. "I understand," he said softly. "Just know that I'm here for you, whenever you're ready to talk."

His words touched something deep within me, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of my past.