Chapter 485 I Will Accompany You
After realizing that Maximilian's words had a deeper meaning, Chris didn't wait for Maximilian to ask and confessed decisively.
"I told Katniss about your self-harm incident from before."
Hearing Chris admit it so straightforwardly, Maximilian asked, "Did she ask you about it?"
He knew Chris well enough.
He had told Chris not to mention it to Katniss, and Chris had agreed, saying he wouldn't bring it up unless Katniss asked.
Maximilian thought he had hidden it well enough, so he assumed there would be no chance for Chris to spill the beans.
But in the end, Katniss found out.
Recalling the pained look in Katniss's eyes, Maximilian felt a pang of guilt.
"Yeah," Chris admitted. "Katniss asked me when you were out at a meeting."
Since Maximilian had already brought it up, Chris decided to come clean.
Maximilian turned to stand on the balcony, listening to Chris's explanation, his gaze fixed on the staircase of the villa.
"Katniss only asked about that incident, so I told her. I got busy afterward and forgot to mention it to you. That's all," Chris explained.
Katniss had healed Maximilian's leg; she was both his wife and his doctor.
So, in a way, if Katniss asked about Maximilian, he shouldn't and couldn't hide it from her.
Chris had indeed not hidden it from Katniss, but he had forgotten to inform Maximilian afterward.
Realizing he had forgotten to tell Maximilian, Chris couldn't help but worry.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt that someone like Maximilian, who bottled things up, could easily have issues.
He quickly added, "You two didn't fight this, did you? Katniss cares about you."
He was genuinely worried.
Maximilian wasn't good at communicating, or rather, he didn't communicate at all.
Maximilian's gaze caught the figure descending the stairs, cutting off Chris's rambling. "It's fine. You can clock out now. The company is in your hands for the next few days. I'm heading to the Amber District."
"What?" Chris was confused.
Before Chris could ask more, the call was disconnected.
Maximilian walked back into the room, just in time to see Katniss approaching.
Katniss looked calm, but her mood was down.
"Maximilian, I'm ready. Let's go upstairs," Katniss said to him.
Maximilian slowly shook his head, took her hand, and gently refused, "The treatment is too exhausting. You have a test tomorrow. Get some rest tonight."
Katniss frowned at his words.
She was about to continue persuading him when she heard Maximilian say, "I'm going to the Amber District tomorrow."
Katniss's eyes lit up instantly, her whole demeanor brightening.
But soon, she squeezed Maximilian's hand and asked, "Why?"
Why had Maximilian suddenly changed his mind?
Katniss had her suspicions but wasn't sure.
She was worried that things might spiral out of control.
So she tread carefully, even though she knew she could be bolder, she didn't dare take that step.
It wasn't fear of being hurt, but fear of hurting Maximilian and facing unbearable consequences.
Maximilian tightened his grip on her hand and said softly, "It's my fault. I shouldn't have kept it from you."
He hung his head, looking somewhat dejected.
Katniss tightened her grip on his hand, biting her lip, unsure of what to say.
Just as she had suspected.
Maximilian knew.
She wanted to tell him he wasn't wrong, that he hadn't done anything wrong.
She knew his past, his suffering, was beyond what any of them could imagine.
So she always worried that Maximilian would be hurt by it.
Her lips moved anxiously, but no words came out.
She was anxious but couldn't find the words.
"Don't rush," Maximilian said, seeing the anxiety in her eyes. He cupped her cheek with his other hand.
Katniss took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
Her emotions were turbulent as she held Maximilian's large hand tightly, looking up at his exceptionally handsome face.
Meeting Maximilian's eyes, she felt the love in them.
Even though she knew Maximilian wouldn't blame her, she still felt a lot of guilt.
Whether it was the suspicion of hiding things from Maximilian or the guilt of him being hurt because of it.
She knew too well what kind of person Maximilian was, and she feared he was used to silently enduring.
Katniss desperately wanted Maximilian to know she would always be there for him.
But she was also slightly afraid that he didn't need her companionship.
Finally, she mustered the courage to say, "I'll be with you."
After saying it, Katniss felt a huge relief, her previously steady stance wavered as if she might fall.
"I know," Maximilian said, catching her in time.
Leaning against Maximilian's arm, Katniss said softly, "I was worried about you, so I asked..."
"I'm fine," Maximilian interrupted her self-blame, holding her tightly and kissing her forehead. "It was my fault for hiding it from you."
Katniss's eyes stung, and she hugged him tightly, "It's not your fault."
"Yes, I know," Maximilian said, not wanting to argue. He picked her up in his arms. "We have to leave early tomorrow. Let's get you ready for bed."
Katniss nodded, "Okay."
Her eyes stung, and they were slightly wet.
Maximilian carried Katniss upstairs, looking down at her slightly aggrieved face, his lips pressed tightly in a serious expression.
Seeing the tears in her eyes, Maximilian paused, then quickly carried her back to their room.
"Don't cry."
Katniss met Maximilian's gaze, dazedly touching her eyes, realizing she was crying.
"I'm fine," she said, her voice hoarse.
She forced a smile to reassure Maximilian.
After they washed up and went to bed, on the other side of town, Lucas was being helped out of a private room.
Despite looking like he had taken quite a beating, there was a strange smile on Lucas's lips.
As soon as he was out of the room, the two bodyguards let go of him. "Take care, Mr. Manners."
Lucas, weak and battered, still nodded and bowed, "Alright."
Once the two men were back inside, Lucas leaned against the hallway wall, slowly making his way out.
Halfway there, his phone rang in his pocket.
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