Chapter 53 You are beautiful.,

Maxwell descended the stairs and found Shina, Michelle, and Linda in the sitting room, watching a movie.

"Hello, guys," Maxwell said, taking a seat next to Linda.

"Hi, Maxwell," Michelle replied.

"Hi, Daddy!" Shina and Linda said in unison.

Michelle couldn't contain her curiosity. "So, did Melissa agree to give your relationship a chance?"

"Yes, Daddy. Are we expecting a white wedding anytime soon?" Shina added, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Linda shook her head in disbelief. "Daddy, these two are really crazy. They're so interested in you and Melissa these days. I think you should start preparing for Shina's wedding."

"Linda, if you're bored, don't try to infect us with your boredom," Shina said cheerfully.

"Go to your room and do your homework, you'll feel better," Michelle suggested.

Maxwell could only hold back his laughter, watching the scene in front of him without saying anything.

Linda pouted her lips. "Daddy, they've become so close that they're always leaving me behind," Linda complained. "And look at your daughter Shina. She's always smiling now, all thanks to me that Mellisa is here, but they always leave me behind."

"Linda, you're being silly," Shina said, turning her attention to Maxwell who was smiling in amusement. "Dad, say something now., " Shina said.

"Mellisa has given me a chance, but it doesn't mean that she loves me, okay?" Maxwell said. "I think Linda is right, you've grown up now, it's time for you to get married after graduation," Maxwell said jokingly.

"Don't mind her, she's just babbling nonsense," Shina said. "Please take good care of Mellisa, because if you ever hurt her, then I'll forget that you're my dad," Shina said with a hint of warning in her tone.

"Yes, Shina, is right. If you ever hurt Melissa, then we all will forget you. Linda and Michelle said in unison.

Maxwell shook his head in disbelief, clearly disapproving of the threat Linda and Michelle had made. "I will never hurt Melissa, so stop threatening me, okay?" he said, a smile still on his face. He was glad that his family had grown with the addition of Michelle and Melissa, and was happy to see them all laughing together.

"So, the three of you have forgotten about me, huh?" Melissa said, walking down the stairs, having been awoken by her hunger. She was surprised to see the four of them laughing together, and it made her happy.

Everyone's attention was drawn to Mellisa as she descended the stairs, glowing and looking as beautiful as ever. As she reached the couch and sat down between Michell and Shina, the four of them were still transfixed.

"Hey, what's going on here? Why is everyone so lost in thought?" Mellisa asked with a slight frown. Her voice snapped them out of their reverie.

"Mellisa, you are so beautiful. Can I borrow your face for a few days?" Shina said, breaking the silence.

Mellisa's cheeks flushed as she replied, "Stop talking nonsense, Shina."

"But she's telling the truth," Maxwell interjected, his eyes fixed on Melissa. "You really are beautiful."

Mellisa quickly stood up and said "I'm hungry. I'm going to make something for everyone." She then hurried off to the kitchen.

Michelle smiled at Maxwell, her eyes twinkling. "Girls, let's go help Mellisa in the kitchen," she said.

Maxwell rose off the couch quickly. "I will help Mellisa." Maxwell left the sitting room

Michelle and Shina burst into laughter, clapping their hands.

Linda rolled her eyes. "The two of you will go mad, I'm telling you," she said. "Do you have to ruin such a beautiful moment to get together with your family?"

"Do you want Melissa to fall in love with us or with dad?" Shina asked with a frown. "If Mellisa and dad fall in love, Melissa will get more strength to fight her ex-husband, don't you think?"

"She's still a kid, she won't understand," Michelle said. "We have to help them fall deeper in love, then Zick Will has no chance to win against two lovers.

" Whatever, "Linda said.

…..

Mellisa stepped into the kitchen, her apron neatly tied around her waist, and instructed the maids to leave.

Taking a deep breath, she surveyed the room. Stainless steel appliances lined the walls, and the countertops were spotless. Smiling, she realised this was her sanctuary, the place she could lose herself in the smells and flavours of her cooking. She quickly gathered the ingredients - onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers - and began chopping them with practised ease. The sound of the knife hitting the cutting board was comforting, a sign that something delicious was in the making. Suddenly, she felt big hands hugging her from behind.

"What are you doing?!" Melissa exclaimed, trying to push Maxwell away from her. "Who are you??" she asked, her voice filled with annoyance.

Maxwell chuckled softly, his arms still firmly around her. "Calm down, Melissa, it's me. Your dear husband," he murmured into her ear, sending a shiver running down her spine.

"What are you doing? Let go of me now!" Melissa tried to remove his hands, but he was too strong for her.

"I just came here to help my wife make dinner. Is that wrong?" Maxwell whispered, his breath tickling her neck. Melissa felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach, her pulse racing. Had agreeing to be his wife made him so daring? Had she made a mistake by agreeing to be his wife?

"What are you doing?" Melissa asked again, her voice a little softer this time.

Maxwell rested his head on her shoulders. "I only came here to help you make dinner. Is it a crime?" he asked, his voice gentle and friendly.

Mellisa felt her cheeks flush as Maxwell held her close, her heart racing as she tried to think of a way to express what she wanted without sounding too forward. "How will you help me while holding me like that??" she asked, trying to sound normal, but her voice came out in a barely audible whisper. She felt embarrassed and ashamed to even suggest that she wanted him to keep holding her, but at the same time, she couldn't deny the warmth and comfort she felt in his embrace.

. "Tell me if you don't want me to hold you like this," he murmured, and Mellisa felt her cheeks flush even more. "I—I,"

She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.