Mr. CEO Your Wife Has Wanted a Divorce for a Long Time (by Zora Pradeep) novel Chapter 479

**Freedom 479**
**Chapter 479**

Maggie sat at the table, her thoughts a chaotic tempest swirling within her mind. The air was thick with unspoken words and unresolved feelings, leaving her to wonder what, if anything, remained to be said between her and Franklin. Did he truly remain oblivious to the palpable tension that hung between them, or was he simply putting on an act, pretending not to notice?

As if sensing the weight of the moment, Isabella, their young daughter, reached out, her small hand gently tugging at Maggie’s sleeve. “Mom, can we talk about the project I’m working on at school?” The innocence in her voice broke through Maggie’s reverie, drawing her attention away from the charged atmosphere and redirecting it toward her daughter. It was a welcome distraction, an opportunity to momentarily escape the uncomfortable reality that loomed over them.

Franklin, aware of the shift in focus, chose not to press for conversation. Instead, when the food was served, he made a move to fill Maggie’s bowl. His gesture was intended to be kind, but Maggie found herself hesitating, her heart racing at the unexpectedness of his action. After a moment of silence, she finally found her voice, her tone steady yet resolute. “No need. I can manage on my own.”

The slight edge in her words was unmistakable, and Franklin’s expression faltered, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. He turned to Isabella, offering her a generous helping of food. The young girl looked back and forth between her parents, her brow furrowing in confusion at the unspoken tension that seemed to envelop them. “Mom, if Dad wants to give you food, just let him,” she urged, her youthful innocence shining brightly, oblivious to the complexities of adult relationships.

Yet, Maggie remained tight-lipped, her gaze fixed firmly on her bowl, unwilling to engage. Franklin, undeterred by her silence, continued to smile softly, placing another piece of meat into her bowl, his persistence evident.

At that moment, the tranquility of their private space was disrupted as the server entered with additional dishes. The door stood slightly ajar, allowing a glimpse of the outside world. Janice, along with Old Mrs. Green and a few others, happened to pass by and caught sight of Franklin’s act of service toward Maggie. The unexpected scene froze time for a heartbeat, leaving both the onlookers and the family inside unaware of the scrutiny they were under.

Inside the room, however, Maggie and Isabella remained oblivious to the curious eyes outside. The server, noticing the group, hesitated before announcing their arrival, but Janice quickly regained her composure. “Come on, let’s go inside,” she urged, gently nudging Old Mrs. Green forward. Sophia, her lips curling in disdain, followed closely behind, with Tracy and the others trailing in their wake.

Once they were safely in their own room, the tension that had been building could no longer be contained. Tracy burst out, “Didn’t you say Franklin hates Maggie? Last time and even just now, he seemed to be quite nice to her. What’s going on?”

Sophia narrowed her eyes, processing her mother’s words. With a dismissive snort, she replied, “Isn’t it clear? My brother-in-law is just putting on a performance for that brat. Mom, you can’t seriously think he has suddenly developed feelings for that woman. That’s just not possible!”

The last time they had seen Franklin with Maggie and Isabella, Tracy had shared the same skepticism as Sophia. Even now, she clung to that belief. But something nagged at her, a whisper of doubt that refused to be silenced. Whether it was during their last encounter or this one, Franklin’s behavior had seemed unusually engaged. It was as if he genuinely cared for Maggie, and that notion lingered in her mind like a stubborn shadow.

An idea sparked within her, and she interjected, “I remember Julia mentioning that Franklin would never show Maggie any kindness in front of the child. He was too indifferent to even pretend to care. But it doesn’t look like that was the case this time—or even last time.”

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