Mr. CEO Your Wife Has Wanted a Divorce for a Long Time (by Zora Pradeep) novel Chapter 481

**Freedom 481**

Franklin and Maggie had both prepared an assortment of food for their little outing, each contributing their own favorite treats. When Isabella caught sight of the delightful snacks Maggie had brought—those cherished bites she adored but hadn’t indulged in for ages—a spark of joy ignited in her eyes. “Mom, you even made snacks just for me?!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Maggie, however, felt a pang of guilt. The truth was that those snacks weren’t crafted with Isabella in mind. They were a request from old Mrs. Miller, who had persistently nudged Maggie to whip them up. To avoid another round of gentle nagging, she had acquiesced. But seeing Isabella’s face light up, she decided to keep her own secret quiet.

Franklin, with a knowing smile, then set down two small plates brimming with snacks in front of Maggie. “I heard from the housekeeper that these are your favorites. I had them prepare a batch. Would you like to try a little?”

The housekeeper at Franklin’s residence was indeed a maestro in the kitchen, especially when it came to desserts. One of the flavors was a rare delight, something Maggie used to savor regularly. Since moving out of Franklin’s home, she had not had the pleasure of tasting it again, and the mere sight of it now transported her back in time.

As she gazed at the familiar array of treats before her, a wave of nostalgia washed over Maggie, pulling her back to the days spent waiting at home for Franklin’s return. Those moments were tinged with both anticipation and longing.

Turning her face away, she replied softly, “Thanks. I’ll eat some if I feel like it.”

Franklin paused, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, but he chose not to press her further.

After nibbling on a few snacks, Isabella’s attention was suddenly caught by a group of children flying kites nearby. The sight ignited a spark of enthusiasm within her, and she tugged at Franklin’s hand, her eyes wide with eagerness. “Dad, can we get one? Please!”

Moments later, they returned, each holding a vibrant kite. When Isabella spotted her mother, Franklin handed her the blue butterfly-shaped kite with a flourish.

Maggie instinctively recoiled. “No, I—”

Lost in her thoughts, Maggie suddenly caught Franklin’s gaze. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment, and just as she was about to avert her gaze, he glanced at the kite she had set aside and asked, “Not going to give it a try?”

Maggie offered a quiet response, “I’m not interested.”

Franklin didn’t press the issue any further. After a brief pause, he redirected his focus back to Isabella, who was now darting around with uncontainable energy.

The campsite was expansive and bustling with activity. Since they hadn’t brought any staff along, Franklin, ever vigilant, followed Isabella as she ventured a little further away, his protective instincts kicking in.

Maggie remained where she was, seated quietly, her eyes tracing the figures of father and daughter as they ventured deeper into the sprawling open field. The sight tugged at her heart, leaving her with a mixture of emotions as she watched them disappear into the distance.