Chapter 252: Washing Away Doubts

Michael and Victoria sat on a bench facing each other, silently gazing at the beverages on the wooden table.

Finally Victoria took a deep breath as she whispered.

“Sorry about that…” Her voice cracked. “I just wanted to express my feelings properly. I never… I didn’t… When I touched you, my mind just went blank in that moment, and before I knew it—”

“Don’t apologize for being honest with yourself.” Michael interjected. “One thing led to another. Apologizing would just make it seem like you regret it.”

“I don’t.” Victoria spoke plainly. “It’s just that I didn’t expect for things to escalate so abruptly.”

The hold on her glass tightened ever so slightly.

“Maybe it was inevitable, considering our age and that most people regard us as models. Losing oneself in a heated moment is bound to happen when you risk your life daily, as we do. But I hope that doesn’t change your impression of me… At least not by too much. What I said… I really meant it with all my heart.”

Quite a bizarre scene. For a man and a woman that had given in to primal temptations a few minutes prior, they now didn’t even raise their gazes to meet each other’s eyes.

Shyness played a part, but vigilance mattered more. Already aware of each other’s feelings, they had given in to desire. Now each time their gazes met, a flutter passed through their hearts as a consequence.

Eventually Michael got fed up. He neared, gripping the edge of the table and the bench, looming over her.

“Michael—”

Before Victoria could react, he kissed her.

“Wipe this guilt plastered all over your face.” He said, causing her heart to skip a beat. “Just so you know, I don’t regret a single thing. Why should I? You showed me how stupid I was for thinking I had forgotten what love is. A prideful expression would suit you a thousand times better.”

She nodded bashfully, a faint smile tugging her peerless face.

“It’s this damned bikini, I tell you.” His eyes lingered on her features for a few fleeting seconds. “Whoever advised you to get it surely knew what they were doing.”

Victoria giggled charmingly. “I guess the price tag was worth it.”

“…”

After a brief moment of silence, Michael extended his hand towards her, helping her to stand.

“Where are we going?” She asked, unconsciously moving her fingers between his.

He scoffed.

“Since we’re here, we might as well take a dip in the pool and wash off the sweat.”

Just now Victoria realized that while she might have fixed her appearance, her odor was an entirely different matter.

Instantly the two took a plunge into the water. With it being the largest pool in the water park with numerous visitors, it was understandably equipped with a self-cleaning facility. So the water felt especially fresh.

After submerging her head underwater, Victoria surfaced, wiping her hair backwards in a graceful motion.

“Does this mean…” Her gaze lingered on Michael’s sturdy frame. An intense emotion passing over her. “That we are dating now?”

He shrugged.

“You can call it whatever you want. But… keep in mind.” Michael’s eyes darkened. “While you have proven to me that I can indeed still experience love… It doesn’t mean my opinion about myself has changed. Loving me is, by an extension, a mistake… One that would bring you only pain.”

With a frown, she pushed him straight into the water.

“Even if you think so…” She giggled softly. “That’s a mistake I’m more than willing to commit.”

As Michael rose to his feet, he heard his name being called out.

“Here you are!” Robert appeared, his silky green hair dripping wet. “Where did you two disappear to during the spectacle?”

“Fortunately we found the place with the best view.” Victoria hid the truth masterfully. “Sadly we were so captivated that we didn’t think to call you over.”

Robert nodded, unbothered. “Is that so… Well anyway, come! We will hold another game of volleyball!”

Fully intending to use the time to relax, they joined, the crew being split into two teams.

On one side it was Robert, Enzo, Amelia, Leo, and Claire, while the other was Michael, Victoria, Richard, Ruby, and Ava.

As for Livia, Skylar, and Luis, they were too weak when it came to cultivation, putting them at a massive disadvantage. So they settled to watch instead.

Honestly, it wasn’t just them. When the crew got ready for a serious game of volleyball, the whole pool magically seemed to clear for them. Regardless of how many people had been busy swimming in it prior.

This was by no means an accident. After all, the civilians found it captivating to watch a game between such powerhouses, and no one in their right mind wanted to risk a concussion by being too stubborn to make space.

“Our plan should be to focus on their weak points.” Richard smiled menacingly. “Aim your shots between Enzo and Amelia.”

Michael’s eyes narrowed. “Why target them?”

Richard scoffed. “They thought no one would notice, but the moment it got dark, they kissed. Just look at them now! Everything’s awkward between them! If we force them closer, they’ll fluster before they can even react!”

Ava nodded. “Exploiting their awkwardness… Quite a scummy thing to do, just like you. Still, in the art of war, no method is off the table.”

Victoria smiled mischievously. “Oh, the poor couple. Thinking they can get intimate and remain undetected. Quite a daring thing to do… Don’t you agree, Michael?”

In turn, Michael’s brow twitched momentarily.

’Huh… If she’s comfortable enough to tease me now, then she must not be feeling guilty anymore. That’s a relief.’

Clearing his throat, he answered.

“…No comment.”

Before the game could start, Ruby’s ears abruptly perked up. Her nose twitched as she approached curiously, sniffing Michael and Victoria, her tail swinging from side to side.

“That’s weird…” Ruby tilted her head to the side. “Since when do you two smell so enticing?”

“…”

“A—Anyway…” Victoria attempted to hide her nervousness with a smile.

“Let’s not linger any longer! The game shall begin now!”

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