Conflicted Maria

Hearing his words, Maria blushed furiously and covered her face with her hands. In her heart, she felt happy.

When Max saw her reaction, his breathing grew heavy. He held her blushing face in his hands and passionately kissed her.

He had to admit that despite not being as pretty as his sweet half-sister Anna, his beloved Lilly or Flavia, Maria's bashful personality was enough to make him fall for her.

He looked at her and asked, "Are you alright? I mean, do you still feel pain down there?"

His question both surprised and embarrassed Maria. But since he asked, she nodded and faintly said, "Y-Yes but it's not as painful as when…"

Maria didn't complete her sentence, but Max knew what she meant.

He stood up, climbed down from the bed, and said, "Let's go."

Maria panicked when she saw this and anxiously said, "M-My lord. I l-lied. It doesn't hurt at all. Please forgive me."