CHAPTER 46: A DATE WITH MAXIM 2

"Let's take your car," Arianna replied sincerely, smiling brightly at Maxim.

The bodyguards were perplexed as Maxim pinched Arianna's soft cheeks, causing her to blush. Why were they being fed dog food when all they came here to do was protect her? They felt weak because they couldn't even fight the man their young Miss had chosen, and they resolved to train hard when they returned.

Maxim shot the four guards a quick glance that sent shivers up and down their spines. Seeing that they all knew their place, Maxim took the little girl's hand in his and led her to where he parked a low-profile sedan.

Arianna smiled as she looked at the car. The car was undoubtedly low-profile to someone like her, but for those who were not wealthy, it would equate to years of savings.

Because he could afford this type of car, it meant that they would still have food on the table in the future. Maxim noticed no repulsion on the little girl's face, which made him like her even more.

Noble ladies did not like it when their men or the men who pursued them were poorer than they were. They desired the best, which is why they always sought hand in marriages from noble families or families of a similar nature.

After investigating the little girl, he discovered she was a spoiled rich noble lady with everything. Even the phone she was holding was more valuable than the car she happily entered and sat in as if nothing had happened.

He despised the fact that the little girl had previously been in love with someone else and had even gone to such lengths after failing. He didn't like it when something he was interested in had such a history, but seeing her smile and be happy in his presence, despite him wearing a mask, made him happy.

The little girl had publicly admitted that she was in love with someone else and stated unequivocally that she found love at the banquet. He made certain that every CCTV recording from that day was erased in case anyone attempted to investigate and uncover the identity of Arianna's mystery man.

Because the little girl was true to him, he decided to give her a chance, and when that day comes in the future, if they make it there and she remains true to him, he will sue everything he has to protect her and ensure that no harm comes to her.

He will make certain that the curse does not fall on her and take her away from him, as it did on the others. He would love and protect her as if she were an extension of himself.

Arianna eagerly began a conversation as Maxim drove her to their breakfast destination, the first phase of the date. Arianna asked him some standard questions along the way, such as his age, family, where he lives, and so on.

She was satisfied with the responses she received. Maxim was nearly thirty years old, making him around eleven years older than her, a significant age difference.

However, if he does not say it, no one will know that he is getting close to that age. She had assumed he was around twenty-five years old when he told her his true age, and she was relieved because others will simply lie to make themselves appear younger.

He did not reside in the Stalwart duchy, but rather in the capital, where the majority of royals resided. She had never been to the capital before, but the former Arianna had, and it was for a banquet that her parents took her to about three years ago.

She was fine as long as he didn't live in Stalwart duchy because she didn't want to move here in case they married in the future. And because he lives in the capital, she could pay him a visit whenever she had time and use the opportunity to tour the city and see how true royals live.

Twenty minutes later, the sedan passed through a gate and came to a halt in front of a courtyard that appeared to be a private residence rather than a restaurant.

Maxim turned off the ignition after parking the car, got out, and assisted her with the door like a gentleman. Arianna was very pleased with her treatment, and even the guards couldn't find anything wrong with Maxim at this point.

He grabbed her arm and led her inside the house. Arianna took a look around and fell in love right away. They were greeted by a middle-aged woman who appeared to be the proprietor of this establishment.

It was then that she discovered it was a family-owned restaurant that few people knew about. This rang a bell in Arianna's head. One needed a connection to know about places like these, and she was relieved to see that her man had one. She didn't have to be concerned about anything, after all, a person who could be invited to a duke's house wasn't your average person.

"Welcome to our humble abode, please follow me to your room," the woman said, making Arianna smile as she followed behind Maxim, arm in arm.

When they entered the room, Arianna quickly scanned it and nodded in appreciation. She was quickly filled with ideas and decided that when the time came to open a restaurant, she would give it a homey feel and make every customer feel as if they were enjoying a meal in the comfort of their own home.

Maxim noticed the little girl's determination and smiled lightly. He was also aware of the little girl's current business projects, and to be honest, he was quite impressed by the little girl's aspirations and ideals.

This is also one of the reasons he brought her here, so she could learn and possibly pick up one or two concepts she could use in the future. He didn't want a useless partner by his side, but someone who could stand by his side as an equal, someone who could make her stand and not be easily knocked down. So knowing what the little girl had become after her awakening made him feel better, even if he still didn't like the fact that Lucas, the scumbag, was the source of all this.

"Thank you very much," Arianna said softly, her small and lovely face lit up with a smile.

The owner was in a good mood just looking at the little girl because she reminded her of her own children. How nice it will be to see them again, but it's too bad she missed her chance a long time ago?

Maxim assisted her in ordering some dishes after consulting with her, and the two resumed their earlier conversation, with Arianna providing the answers this time.

Arianna didn't want to hide anything, or at least some of the things she tried to answer as honestly as she could when Arianna asked her what he wanted to know.