Chapter 18: Pains

Electra POV

From my stool at the bar, I gazed into my drink, my mind reeling with the impossible decision my parents had just presented. Marriage to a complete stranger? The thought sent my heart racing, and my palms grew slick with sweat.

I knew better than to argue with my mother; her resolve was unshakeable once she'd made up her mind. And I couldn't bear the thought of my parents fighting because of me.

As I scanned the dimly lit bar, the sounds of clinking glasses and muted conversations blurred into the background. My anxiety spiked, making my chest feel tight.

Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd, and a wave of relief washed over me. I smiled, my tension easing.

"Sorry I'm late, I was a bit busy," Maxwell said, sliding onto the stool beside me, his apologetic eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I actually didn't think you'd come," I admitted, my smile widening as I took in his disheveled hair and worn jeans.

Maxwell's presence was a comforting anchor, a reminder that not everything in my life was spiraling out of control. His warm, familiar scent enveloped me, calming my frazzled nerves.

"What's going on?" he asked, his brow furrowing as he signaled the bartender for a drink. "You sounded upset on the phone."

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal, but Maxwell's concerned expression put me at ease. Maybe, just maybe, he could help me find a way out of this impossible situation.

"Yes, I was so angry and frustrated, I needed someone to talk to, and the only person I could call on my contact list was you," I admitted, my shoulders relaxing.

Maxwell raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "Why me, though? This is only our fourth meeting. Why do you trust me so much?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity.

I playfully hit him on the arm, a gentle reprimand. "Because you've been kind to me from the start," I explained, my eyes locking onto his. "Remember that day five years ago when I ran into your car? You didn't just leave me there; you made sure I was okay. We never spoke again after that, but fate brought us together once more, and here you are, helping me again."

My voice trailed off, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. I wasn't sure why I was sharing this, but something about Maxwell's calm, attentive demeanor put me at ease.

Maxwell's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're still shaken from that accident, aren't you?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

I nodded, the memories flooding back. "It was a scary experience, but what stayed with me was your kindness. You didn't have to stop and help me, but you did."

"And the third time, I thought of returning the favor and treat me out," Maxwell said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Yes, and this is our fourth time," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Maxwell's expression turned serious, his eyes probing. "But why did you think you could confide in me?" he asked, his tone genuine.

I scoffed, a defensive laugh escaping my lips. "I didn't trust you," I admitted, my voice laced with vulnerability. "To be honest, after what happened five years ago, I don't want to trust anybody."

My gaze dropped, and I fidgeted with my drink, the ice clinking against the glass. "I just needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't judge me or try to fix everything. And for some reason, I felt like you'd listen."

Maxwell's silence was palpable, and I dared a glance at him. His eyes were intent, filled with understanding, and something deeper – empathy.

"I think my mind didn't deceive me when I decided to call you," I said, a smile spreading across my face. "I needed someone to drink with – are you in?"

Maxwell nodded, his eyes sparkling with agreement. "It's been a while since I've had drinks with anyone. I hope I'll enjoy it."

He smiled, and I caught myself staring at the gentle curve of his lips.

"You have such a perfect smile," I blurted, hastily adding, "Don't take it too deeply – just a normal complement."

Maxwell chuckled, his smile widening. "I've gotten enough of those, but it's nice hearing it from you too."

"Can we be friends?"I asked, and he nodded.

"Of course, why not?" He replied, like he has been waiting for it.

We clinked glasses, the sound echoing through the quiet bar. As we sipped our drinks, the tension between us dissipated, replaced by an easy camaraderie.

"Cheers to unexpected friendships," Maxwell said, his eyes locking onto mine.

"Cheers to that," I echoed, feeling a sense of belonging I hadn't experienced in a long time.

"So now that we've finally agreed to be friends," Maxwell said, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, "is there anything you want me to know?"

He leaned in, his voice taking on a gentle, encouraging tone. "I know you surely have something running through your mind that you want to say."

I scoffed, a mixture of laughter and vulnerability escaping my lips. "Yes, I have a lot going on in my heart. It's eating me up."

Maxwell's expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. "Can I hear it?" he asked, his voice low and inviting. "I think it's good to share your pains rather than let them consume you."

His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, comforting and reassuring. I felt my defenses melting, my trust in him growing.

"You'll think I'm crazy," I warned, my voice barely above a whisper.

Maxwell shook his head. "I'll listen without judgment. You can trust me, Electra."

His promise was a balm to my frazzled nerves. I took a deep breath, the words trembling on my lips.

"It's about my parents," I began, my voice cracking. "They want me to get married to someone I don't know."

Maxwell's expression remained calm, but his eyes flashed with surprise. "That's a lot to take in," he said, his voice filled with understanding.

I nodded, the emotions spilling out of me like a dam breaking. "I feel trapped, like my whole life is being decided for me"

"I know I made some silly mistake I regretted so much, but getting married to a total stranger when I have a child to look after is alot of take in, it's not just me again. It's about me and my daughter"

Maxwell listened attentively, his presence a steady anchor as I poured out my heart.