Saving the Villain

"It's not what you think it is."

Maxen felt like his long rope of patience snapped upon hearing what Asher had just said. He slowly looked back at Asher.

"It's not what I think it is?" repeated Maxen with a tinge of ridicule. "What do you think I thought it was, Young Master Quinn? Don't make it sound like there's more that had happened; it wouldn't work."

"Strange," Asher replied, assessing Maxen's mood. "You're always so composed, but now you're… angry. You reek of jealousy."

"Jealousy?" Maxen walked to the same spot, facing Asher squarely. "And why would I be jealous? Of who? You? Funny."

Maxen's countenance was calm, but his eyes were fiery. "If this was two years ago, and I met you before Cosette, I wouldn't deny that I'd probably wish to be you, even just for a day. But this conversation is taking place now."

"I… there's nothing that you have that I want, Young Master Quinn," he continued, stressing those words so Asher would understand his point. "I'm not jealous, and even if I was, you're not even on the list of reasons."

Asher opened his mouth but pressed them closed again. If this was days ago, Asher would also pick on him, just like how he had always done. However, there was no point. If anything, Asher got an answer he didn't even think he would get when he approach Maxen just now.

Mister Devilsin said so himself. Leave this guy alone. Maxen was already under Conrad Blac's wing, so even if the truth was out, there was a slim chance he would even accept anything from the Quinn family. If anything, it would only mess up everyone's life.

"Though I'm afraid there's something I have that you want." Maxen's next words brought Asher back from his momentary trance. "I'm warning you now, Young Master Quinn. Don't cross me — I can kill if necessary."

Maxen was scary, and Asher had to mentally admit that. Just listening to Maxen's warning and that look in his eyes, Asher felt slightly intimidated. Fortunately, Asher was trained to keep his composure even in times of crisis and to hold his ground before someone as intimidating as Conrad.

"Maxen Cloven." Asher took a step while holding Maxen's sharp gaze. "That's right. You have something… many things that I want and it makes me wish, even in this very second, to be you."

"Of all the people, why would it have to be you? That was the question that filled my head in the past. You lived a shitty life, sure, but then, you gained a lot of pity while I… don't. You know what why? Because everyone thinks I was lucky, the moment I was born." Asher continued without faltering, being true to himself since he might not have a chance in the future. "If you pursue something, people will say you are inspiring. Meanwhile, if I pursue something or try to fight for something, I would be called greedy."

Asher took another step closer. "If you think life is unfair, that's not only for you."

"I didn't want to talk to you since I already accepted that this dislike we have toward each other will never be settled. At least, not right now, especially since we like the same woman." Asher took another step until Maxen was at arm's length. "But more than what will make me happy, I want to put her first. She wants you, and not me. It makes me bitter and angry, but that's not my heart to command."

"What I am saying is, I'm not backing down, Maxen Cloven. I might take a strategic retreat for now, but I will still pursue her if I see even the slightest opening." Asher breathed out deeply as his tensed shoulders relaxed. "So if I were you, make her the happiest in this world. Because if she ever becomes miserable because of you, I will kill… if necessary."

"Mark my word, Maxen Cloven. My face will be the last you'll see if she ever regrets you." Asher nodded at him reassuringly. "I'm not joking. Keep that in mind."

The two of them stared at each other in silence. They didn't say anything after Asher's last remarks before he turned on his heel to leave. Maxen kept his eyes on the man and didn't even question Asher's warning. Just like how Maxen meant his warning, he was aware Asher also meant everything he had said.

"You don't have to kill me…" whispered Maxen as he watched the headlights of the car before him light up. "... I'll kill myself if she ever becomes miserable because of me."

Meanwhile, Cosette had her brows furrowed as she watched Asher and Maxen talk outside. She planned to go out, but stopped herself. She told herself she would only come out if the two ended up throwing their fist, but by the looks of it, what the two were discussing was something very important, as if their life depended on it.

"I wonder what it was…?" she mumbled, snapping her eyes when Maxen entered the driver's seat. Maxen didn't say anything nor did he look at her.

Maxen just sat in the driver's seat with his hands on the steering wheel. It was as if he forgot she was in the car, as his expression was dark and his silence made her feel slightly chilly.

"Max," she called cautiously, clutching her biceps, eyes on him. "Is there something wrong? You don't seem well. Did Ash press your nerve? That guy is really annoying — I'm going to strangle him —"

"My girlfriend ignored me for days, and then another guy will drop her home." Maxen cut her off, turning his head in her direction to face her. This time, anger could be seen in his eyes, which he didn't try to conceal. "Not only that, but it seemed her relationship with this guy was becoming better. On top of that, that person likes you… very much, probably much more than I do. Of course, it wouldn't sit well with me."