Married at First Sight

Taking a few deep breaths, Romina said, "It's my fault. I'll wait here until my secretary brings the ice, and I'll personally apply it to Mr. York's face until the swelling goes down."

River motioned for her to sit.

Romina sat down helplessly.

Serenity, who had stayed silent, kept watching the scene unfold with great interest.

Even the two kids were watching.

Bethany was too young to understand, and Maverick didn't really get it either-but

he knew Uncle River had won.

This beautiful aunt was pretty, but she was too mean-she hit Uncle River. Maverick decided not to like her.

Dad always said not to judge people by appearances. A lot of beautiful women had bad tempers. He told Maverick that when he grew up and got married, he had to focus on a woman's character, not just her looks.

Maverick understood what it meant to marry someone-just like his dad married

his mom.

But he was still a long way from getting married. Dad said he couldn't even think about it until he was at least 28 or 29, and Maverick was only six.

That meant he still had over twenty years to go.

Dad often teased that Maverick had stolen his wife and told him to keep his

distance from Mom since she belonged to Dad.

But Mom was his mom, not Dad's, so why should he stay away?

He usually just ignored Dad Dad was just jealous that everyone thought Maverick was cute and loved him.

He knew Dad favored his little sister and loved her the most.

All Dad ever did was tell Maverick how many words to write, how much math to

do, how to practice piano, and how to train in martial arts. He always looked serious whenever he saw Maverick. Mom joked that Dad looked at Maverick like Maverick owed him money and hadn't paid it back.

But Maverick also really loved his little sister-more than anyone.

"Uncle River," Maverick called out.

River gently patted his head and said, "Uncle River is a real man-calm and forgiving. As long as she apologizes, Uncle River will let it go. You're sweet for worrying about me, little guy. My face is just a little swollen."

Maverick glared at Romina and said, "Auntie, why did you hit my Uncle River? My dad said no matter what happens, you can't just go around hitting people." Though Dad also said if someone really crosses the line, it's okay to teach them a lesson-but Maverick didn't say that part out loud. Romina blinked. “Um... little guy, this is grown-up business. Don't ask so many questions. Your Uncle River and I... well, let's just say we're enemies. And who would go easy on an enemy?" Maverick understood that.noveldrama

His great-grandma and his parents always told him that being soft on your enemies could end up hurting yourself.

"What did Uncle River do to you?" he asked. "Can't you two just make up and be friends?"

In kindergarten, whenever kids fought, the teacher made them shake hands to show they'd made up and were friends again.

Romina looked at River. He looked back at her. Then he picked up a piece of dessert and placed it in front of Maverick.

“Eat your dessert, buddy,” River said. “You're too young to understand what's going on between Aunt Romina and me. Don't worry about it." Maverick said, "Okay," and really did stop asking. He quietly ate his dessert. "Hug me, hug me," Bethany suddenly stood up.

Serenity and River quickly reached out to help her, worried she might fall-but she held out her arms to Romina, asking for a hug.

Serenity smiled, pulled her hands back, and said to Romina, "Miss Lafond, looks like my daughter really likes you. She's never like this with strangers. Usually, she's super picky and won't let just anyone hold her."