Chapter 125 Refusal

Julie heard the car pull up and looked up. She recognized Henry's car and quickly figured out that he had taken Maria out. Julie couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Their families were similar, and Maria wasn't even as good as her. Why did Maria get so lucky to be chosen by Henry?

Jealousy spread in her heart, breeding dark thoughts.

Outside the restaurant, Henry parked the car, and the three of them got out. Kenna was back in her wheelchair, being pushed by Maria. The handsome man, beautiful woman, and the little girl in the wheelchair attracted quite a few curious glances.

Although these gazes were not malicious but merely curious and scrutinizing, Maria could still sense Kenna's discomfort. Kenna bit her lip and lowered her head, her small hands clasped on her lap in a defensive posture.

Maria quickly walked a few steps to Henry and whispered, "Move over a bit, block Kenna."

Henry was momentarily confused but complied. Maria saw Kenna visibly relax, her tension easing.

"Excuse me, do you have a reservation?" a waiter asked as he approached. Henry had already reserved a private room, and the waiter led them inside. Maria noticed a stage in the center of the restaurant surrounded by flowers, with a sign that read "Couples Kissing Contest."

"Ma'am, tonight we're hosting a contest. The couple that kisses the longest wins a free meal," the waiter explained, noticing Maria's gaze. Maria nodded, understanding why the restaurant was so crowded tonight.

"Maria, you and Henry should join!" Kenna suddenly suggested, having been curiously watching the stage.

Maria blushed and awkwardly explained, "We can't. Henry and I are married, not just a couple."

"Married couples can join too, ma'am. You and this gentleman look so well-matched. I'm sure you have a great relationship. You might even win!" The enthusiastic waiter quickly dismantled Maria's excuse, leaving her with a headache. Participating was out of the question.

Even though the free meal was tempting, she didn't want to kiss, let alone passionately, in front of so many people. "No, thank you," Maria said, giving Henry a look, hoping he would find a way to refuse. The waiter was about to persuade them further when Henry spoke up, "No need, we have other plans."

The waiter fell silent and led them to their private room. After ordering, he left. Kenna, still curious about the contest, leaned against the window to watch.

Halfway through their meal, music started playing downstairs. Maria, sitting by the window, glanced down and saw couples entering the stage, embracing and kissing as the contest began.

"Maria, is the contest starting?" Kenna asked, trying to move her wheelchair to the window, but Maria quickly pulled her back. The scene was too intense for a child to watch.

"Kenna, let's eat. That contest isn't worth watching," Maria said, trying to find an excuse, her face still flushed. Kenna, though disappointed, obediently sat down to eat, though her mind was elsewhere.

Seeing this, Henry said, "Finish your meal, and if the contest is still going, I'll join with Maria."

Maria was stunned, looking at Henry in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?"

She couldn't fathom why Henry would want to join such a contest. Before she could voice her refusal, Henry asked, "What do you think?"

Maria was at a loss. Seeing Kenna's hopeful eyes, she couldn't bring herself to say no. After finishing their meal, Maria silently prayed the contest was over, but it wasn't. Kenna eagerly asked a waiter, "Can we still sign up for the contest?"

The waiter shook his head, indicating they couldn't. Maria sighed in relief, but then another voice chimed in, "Ma'am, would you and the gentleman like to join? We can make an exception."

It was the waiter who had led them to their room. He remembered them well, impressed by their appearance and compatibility.

Maria was about to refuse when Kenna tugged at her sleeve. "Maria, please join with Henry," Kenna pleaded, her eyes full of hope. Maria's heart softened, and she couldn't say no.

"Yes, ma'am, your sister thinks you should join," the waiter added. Maria looked at Henry, expecting him to refuse, but to her surprise, he agreed readily, "We're in."

"Henry, are you out of your mind?" Maria whispered, lowering her voice.

Henry looked down at her, his tone innocent, "You didn't refuse. I thought you wanted to."

"I did not," Maria felt like she was being teased, glaring at Henry but helplessly following the waiter's instructions to prepare for the stage. She didn't notice Henry and Kenna exchanging a triumphant look.

With soft music playing, surrounded by couples engrossed in their kisses, Maria nervously looked at Henry. Her eyes were like a deer's, filled with unease. Henry's voice was gentle, "Don't worry, I'm here."

Maria's anxiety melted away at his words. It was strange how his presence gave her such a sense of security.

"Close your eyes," Henry whispered, his gaze on her lips, his Adam's apple bobbing. Maria closed her eyes, feeling his breath nearing, and then his cool lips on hers.

They didn't realize that their participation had drawn thousands of viewers to the live stream.

They were so absorbed in the kiss that they didn't hear the waiter's exaggerated announcement, "You won! You're the first place winners."

Maria snapped back to reality, her face flushed from the prolonged kiss. Henry pulled her into his arms, looking calmly at the waiter, "Note the reward. We'll come back for it."

With that, Henry held Maria close and pushed Kenna out of the restaurant. After they left, the waiter picked up the live stream phone, glancing at a negative comment, "Is there any need for such a vulgar contest? If it happens again, I'll report it."

The waiter sighed. It was just for fun, and they only chose real couples. It wasn't like they were pulling random people off the street to kiss.

Thinking this, the waiter glanced at the username of the negative comment, "BreezyClouds."

In the car, Maria's face was still warm. She didn't dare look at Henry, but a sweet feeling welled up inside her.