After a few seconds of staring into each other's eyes, the handsome man closed his eyes. He lowered his head and slowly pressed his lips against the top of Leah's soft lips, savoring their kiss, while the girl could only stand there, stunned.
Leah was shocked, her eyes wide. They were kissing! She could feel his warm and wet lips on hers. Oh my God, she was kissing this handsome, strange man.
It wasn't just Leah who was surprised. Almost all the guests in the cafeteria stood up, their mouths wide open. What was Max doing with a girl? Had he sold his pride?
This is what kissing feels like, Max thought, feeling a strange sensation in his heart. Something warm and beautiful, with a fluffy, sweet taste. For the first time, he didn't want to let go of this first kiss.
Max forgot to control himself. His palm gently stroked Leah's arm as his tongue playfully danced against her lips. He wanted to enjoy the softness of her mouth. She was so sweet, so tantalizing. He wanted more.
Hey, Max, there were tons of girls who wanted that kiss from the first day of school. Why did you choose a minimarket worker, just an ordinary girl? Are you crazy?
"Oh my God!" Alex couldn't believe his eyes. He tried to pull Max away by grabbing his shirt, attempting to stop the kiss.
"How dare you!" Alex raised his fist.
Max didn't hear Alex's shout. The tug on his back felt like nothing. Alex's power was far too weak to stop him.
"Agghh!!" Alex yelled, but it was too late. He couldn't stop Max, but Leah had other plans.
Max was still holding his 'junior' after Leah had just kicked it. The girl wiped her lips, spat out, then chuckled before walking away, leaving Alex with a blank stare and Max in pain.
"Are you okay, bro?" Leon asked anxiously as he approached Max.
"Damn that wretched woman!" Leon grumbled irritably.
"What did you say about my cousin?" Alex replied angrily. Max and Leon froze. "What?"
---
In a modern city filled with advanced technology, the streets were crowded with luxury cars, causing traffic jams at several corners. Downtown, the atmosphere looked different—beautiful and pristine. Sculptures adorned every corner, giving the city an eccentric feel with touches of high art, modern skyscrapers, and entertainment venues sprouting like mushrooms in the rainy season, growing alongside shops and fast-food restaurants.
X was a very developed city, and its society was individualistic, a typical modern city. This is where the story began…
Morning activities were no different inside a small rental house in a narrow corner of the city where Leah started her daily routine.
"How are you today? Are you okay?" Leah walked toward Lauren's bedroom.
"Did you feel anything?" Leah's face showed concern for Lauren's health.
"Tell me, Aunt, I'm so worried about you!"
Lauren nodded slightly. It was clear that Leah was worried about her.
She didn't want Leah to be distracted from work today, so she forced a smile despite feeling sick and weak.
"No, Leah, go to work and don't worry about me. I'm fine," she said, lying.
Of course, Leah couldn't believe her aunt's words. She turned back for one last glance before leaving the room.
Lauren looked at Leah, who had grown into a beautiful young woman. Her golden hair shone, her blue eyes sparkled, and her sharp nose gave her face an almost princess-like quality, like Princess Aurora in the fairy tale *Sleeping Beauty*. Even though they lived in a cramped, poor neighborhood, Leah's beauty still shone brightly. She shouldn't be living here, Lauren thought.
Lauren sighed heavily, feeling a headache coming on. Her doctor had advised her not to get stressed, but she couldn't help worrying about Leah. Their home was too small—rooms packed with belongings, a cupboard overflowing with clothes, a tiny kitchen, and a small living room. In the living room, there wasn't just an old sofa but also a mattress.
Her son, Alex, was five years older than Leah. Because the house only had two bedrooms, Alex had given up his room for Leah and slept in the cramped living room. He also rarely came home, which contributed to Lauren's poor health. She always thought about Leah and her son.
"He should get out of this house!" Lauren said in frustration, slumping back on the bed.
She tried to rest but couldn't stop her mind from wandering.
---
"So... she's your cousin?" Leon asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jeez, he really couldn't believe what had just happened. The two siblings had embarrassed his handsome friend. Leon couldn't stop thinking about what had just gone down.
"Don't you know how to be polite? Ah... poor families are always troublesome!"
"Hey, man! Watch your mouth!" Alex clenched his fists.
The two men stared each other down, their jaws tight.
"Oh… how dare you! You'll regret this. Don't you know who we are?" Alex sneered.
Alex laughed sarcastically, then sized up Leon before stepping away. His eyes lingered on the embroidered jackets that Leon and Max were wearing—campus students.
Alex slowly approached Leon with a smirk, touched the hem of his jacket, and violently tossed it aside, making Leon want to throw a punch at Alex's defiant face.
Alex chuckled, stepping back and raising his hands in the air, as though he didn't want to cause trouble with the two young men standing before him. He then casually walked away.
Leon was annoyed by Alex's behavior but said nothing as he watched him leave.
"Hey, wait a minute!" Max's voice stopped Alex in his tracks.
"What now?" Alex had already decided to leave.
"Did you mention that Saturday night party at Mercy's nightclub?" Max asked curiously.
Alex fell silent.
"Why are you forcing a girl to go to that party? Isn't she your cousin?" Max pressed.
Alex still didn't answer, so Max asked another question.
"Hey, answer him!" Leon shouted, getting involved. He had a bad habit of interfering.
Alex clenched his jaw, turned to face Max, then briefly glanced at Leon. Leon gasped slightly, while Max remained calm.
"That's none of your business!" Alex replied curtly, turning to walk away.
"Did you take the bet and target that girl?" Max asked, still trying to get answers.
Alex's pupils widened. Max had guessed correctly. Max knew a little about the gambling rings at nightclubs that targeted innocent girls. They often sought virgins, and Maria frequently talked about how it was interesting to see these girls become the targets of their games.
"Don't do it. How much money did you make targeting your cousin?" Max asked boldly.
Alex was taken aback, surprised that Max was getting involved.
"It's nothing for a rich guy like you," Alex said, shrugging, his expression one of annoyance.
Max pulled out his wallet. He didn't usually carry cash, but today was an exception. There were a few bills he wanted to deposit at the bank. He took them out and showed Alex a few dollars.
Alex raised an eyebrow, his mind racing but his eyes focused on the money.
"Is this enough?" Max asked, holding the bills up.
Instantly, Alex's expression changed. His face lit up as he eagerly took the money from Max.
"Max, he said it's none of your business..." Leon grumbled.
He pulled Max's arm away from Alex. "Let's just go back to the café."
"That's enough!" Alex's voice was eager. He snatched the money and was thrilled to have it.
"Wait a minute!" Alex said suspiciously.
He looked at Max, his curiosity piqued. Who would give away money like this?
"Do you want the girl?" Alex asked.
Max followed Alex's gaze. Leah was busy serving customers in the convenience store. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, they locked eyes.
Max couldn't help but smile, but he quickly turned away, holding back a smile.
---