Couldnât they simply let it go and move forward?
Lucinda, observing Hilliard and Jennifer bicker endlessly, sighed and rubbed her temples.
âWhy not settle this through a fight? The victor can have their viewpoint considered.
â
A fight?
It wouldnât happen.
Hilliard sighed, casting a pained glance at Lucinda.
âCome on, how could I fight with Jennifer? It will only result in me getting beaten.
â
âWell, it is to let her release some frustration.
It was your fault, after all.
Just allow her to strike you a few times to relieve her anger,â Lucinda suggested.
Following Lucindaâs counsel, Hilliard leaned slightly forward, bringing his face closer to Jennifer.
âI fumbled my words and upset you.
Go ahead, hit me.
â
Jennifer gazed at his handsome face, unable to muster the will to slap him.
However, doing nothing left her feeling frustrated and stifled.
She pinched Hilliardâs soft cheek with irritation.
âYou need to pay Nathan for some lessons and improve your emotional intelligence.
â
âOkay,â Hilliard obediently agreed.
Jenniferâs fury diminished markedly, and she let go of Hilliardâs cheek.
His face now bore a faint red mark from the pinch, surprising Jennifer and stirring a hint of remorse within her.
âDoes it hurt? I didnât use much force, why did it turn red?â
Hilliard smiled softly, âMy skin is just very delicateâ¦â
As he was about to reassure her it didnât hurt, Nathan suddenly leaned in and whispered something to him.
Hilliard swallowed his intended words and instead uttered, âIt hurts, it really hurts.
â
Jenniferâs heart ached, and she gently massaged his face.
Hilliard held her hands and, following Nathanâs suggestion, said with some effort, âThe more you rub it, the redder it gets.
If you could ki*s it, it wouldnât hurt anymore.
â
Jennifer was stunned, her face flushing in front of Nathan and Lucinda.
âThey are watching; itâs embarrassing.
â
Lucinda shook her head firmly, declaring, âWe observed nothing.
â
As Jennifer turned to listen to Lucinda, Hilliard bent down, bringing his face closer, silently asking for a ki*s.
The reddening tips of his ears betrayed his underlying shyness.
Jennifer noticed the faint blush on his cheeks and couldnât resist; she leaned in and quickly ki*sed him.