After her rebirth

Inside the Car

As soon as Katniss hopped in, she was greeted by Maximilian's ridiculously handsome face.

Maximilian squinted and glanced out the window. "The Scott family giving you grief?"

Katniss was a bit taken aback to see him but played it cool. "Kieran's in jail, and Ellen knows I had a hand in it. So yeah, she's causing trouble. "I bluffed Ramon with borrowed power."

She paused, narrowing her eyes. "I told her if she messed with me, I'd make Kieran's life hell in prison. I doubt Ellen will try anything now."

Ellen might have a sharp tongue, but like most moms, she deeply cared about her son.

Threatening Ellen directly might not work, but bringing Kieran into it would make her think twice.

Maximilian turned back, a slight smirk forming when he heard Katniss used his power to scare someone, "Since you mentioned it, I'll have Emilio make it official to back you up. Next time she sees you, she'll believe it."

Katniss's eyes lit up, thinking Maximilian had a point, and she nodded excitedly. "Really? It won't be too much trouble for you, right? And please give Kieran a good beating. Saskia's still in the hospital; he shouldn't have it easy in prison." The Scott family hadn't suffered enough, so she wasn't about to go easy on them.

Maximilian leaned back against the leather seat, casually flipping through some documents, a hint of danger in his eyes.

"Don't worry, it's no trouble at all," Maximilian replied coolly.

Handling someone in prison was a walk in the park.

Soon, Conrad returned, and the car started moving.

As the car rolled, Katniss remembered her main task and quickly mentioned a location, directing Conrad to head there.

"The farmers' market over there has fresh produce every day. It's better," she said.

This market was a spot she used to frequent when she lived with Aurora.

Now that Aurora was gone, she went there alone.

The entrance to the market was narrow, and the big Range Rover couldn't fit, so Conrad had to stop at the entrance.

Katniss jumped out and turned to look at Maximilian and his legs. "It's hard to walk here, and it's pretty chaotic inside. Why don't you wait in the car? I'll be quick."

She figured Maximilian had never been to a farmers' market and wouldn't be used to the smell and the noisy, crowded environment.

Maximilian raised an eyebrow, his tone lazy. "Are you saying my legs are a burden?"

What a serious accusation!

Katniss quickly shook her head. "I'm just worried you won't be comfortable."

"If I can get used to my leg, there's nothing I can't get used to," Maximilian snorted lightly.

With that, he didn't give Katniss a chance to refuse.

Conrad efficiently pulled a wheelchair from the trunk and helped Maximilian out of the car with his strong arms.

Maximilian wasn't completely immobile, but overuse would make his knees swell, causing excruciating pain, like needles and ants attacking, which was unbearable for most people. Over time, it seemed like he couldn't walk.

Katniss carefully gripped the wheelchair handles, realizing for the first time just how tall Maximilian was. Conrad was already pretty tall, but when Maximilian stood up with his help, he was just as tall as Conrad.

"Maximilian, you're so tall when you stand up, way taller than me!" Katniss said, waving her hands and standing on tiptoe to measure.

She only reached his chest when standing next to him.

Her antics amused Maximilian, lifting his spirits, "That's why I told you not to be picky with food. Now you're short, and who do you blame?" Katniss laughed, "My grandma says the same thing."

So, elders all spoke the same language?

With a deep sigh, Katniss led the way. After passing through a narrow alley, the noise grew louder, revealing the bustling farmers' market.

"In the morning, it's even more crowded because the produce is freshest then. Now, a lot of people are off work and come here to buy groceries for dinner," Katniss explained.

"Did you come here often before?" Maximilian's deep voice sounded in her ear.

Katniss pressed her lips together, a hint of sadness in her bright eyes. She said softly, "My grandma used to bring me here to buy groceries. She'd buy, and I'd follow behind carrying things."

She smiled as she spoke, "I was quiet back then. The vendors would joke with my grandma, asking if I was mute."

Thinking back, the days with Aurora were the happiest and most carefree of her life.

Since returning to The Manners Villa, Katniss hadn't been here in years.

Her eyes reddened slightly, not wanting Maximilian to see, so she walked quickly to a stall, "I'll make you a medicinal meal tonight to show my appreciation!" Oatmeal soup is very effective for insomnia and nervous exhaustion. Drinking it regularly can also improve sleep and mental state.

Maximilian observed Katniss intently as she picked out ingredients, having seen her on the verge of tears before. Despite everything, she was still just a kid. "Katniss! I haven't seen you in years. I'll give you a discount!" The vendor, a middle-aged fat man, said cheerfully, then glanced at Maximilian in the wheelchair behind her. Wow, this guy was really handsome!

"Is this your husband?" The middle-aged man continued packing the ingredients quickly.

Katniss's head throbbed instantly. She wanted to deny it, but their fake marriage was a secret and couldn't be revealed.

She was momentarily speechless and looked back at Maximilian for help.

Maximilian wheeled himself forward and naturally reached out to take the packed ingredients, "Why aren't you answering? Am I embarrassing you?"

Katniss's hesitation seemed to sadden Maximilian, his face showing a lonely expression.

Katniss's clear eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. She quickly turned to the middle-aged man and said, "Let me introduce you. This is my husband." Patients tended to be more sensitive.

What else could she do but go along with it?

She smiled on the outside but felt helpless inside.

Maximilian's lips curled, his handsome face looking even more striking.

The fat man gasped, leaning in to whisper to Katniss, "Katniss, your husband is so handsome. You better keep an eye on him, or other women will try to snatch him away. I'm telling you, these days, many women are shameless and will throw themselves at good-looking men."

Katniss smiled helplessly. "Okay, I'll keep an eye on him."