Mr. CEO Your Wife Has Wanted a Divorce for a Long Time (by Zora Pradeep) novel Chapter 482

**Freedom 482**

Maggie found herself lost in thought, unsure of how much time had passed since she settled into her spot. Her gaze drifted away from the world around her as she absentmindedly scrolled through her phone, taking small bites of her food. It was a moment of quiet solitude, one she cherished amidst the chaos of her life. Just then, a young man approached her, breaking the tranquility.

“Hello, may I add your contact?” he asked, his voice tentative yet hopeful.

Maggie lifted her head, her expression composed. “Sorry, it’s not convenient,” she replied, her tone measured, as if she were carefully weighing her words.

The young man hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. “Is it because you already have a boyfriend?” he ventured, probing for an answer.

At that moment, Maggie felt a wave of irritation wash over her. She had no intention of engaging further in this conversation. Just as she prepared to dismiss him again, the familiar figures of Franklin and Isabella came into view.

Isabella’s cheerful voice rang out, “Mom!” Her excitement was palpable, lighting up the atmosphere around them.

Maggie responded with a soft “Mm,” her heart warming at the sight of her daughter.

The young man watched as Isabella dashed into Maggie’s welcoming embrace, his gaze then shifting to Franklin. Franklin stood tall and commanding, his presence radiating confidence and authority. It was clear to anyone who looked that he was not just an ordinary man. Isabella, with her bright eyes and infectious smile, bore a striking resemblance to him.

The realization dawned on the young man, and he quickly muttered an apology before retreating, clearly understanding that he had misjudged the situation.

Isabella turned her curious gaze towards Maggie. “Mom, who was that man?” she inquired, her eyes wide with innocence.

“Someone I don’t know,” Maggie replied, keeping her tone light, though a part of her wished to shield Isabella from the complexities of adult interactions.

“Oh,” Isabella said, her curiosity momentarily satisfied.

Franklin observed the entire exchange silently, his expression unreadable. After carefully putting away the kite they had been flying, he finally broke the silence. “Hot pot later?” he asked, his voice casual yet inviting.

Maggie met his gaze, feeling a sense of ease wash over her. “Sure,” she replied, her tone steady.

The ingredients for the Japanese hot pot had been meticulously prepared beforehand, making the cooking process a simple yet enjoyable task for them.

With that, he stepped away from the tent, granting her the space she needed. He settled himself under the shade of an umbrella, his posture relaxed yet attentive.

Maggie stood there for a heartbeat, her mind racing as she glanced at Franklin. Their eyes met, and in that fleeting moment, she felt an unspoken connection. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, he interjected again.

“You should stay with her. If she wakes up and you’re suddenly gone, she’ll feel disappointed and sad.”

Maggie froze, a chill running down her spine.

How had he known? She hadn’t uttered a single word, yet he had read her thoughts with uncanny accuracy.

As she mulled over his insight, a soft mumble broke the stillness. “Mom,” Isabella called out in her sleep, her voice laced with innocence.

Maggie stiffened, her heart racing. Before she could react, Isabella’s eyes fluttered open, still clouded with sleep. Spotting Maggie, she reached out with her small, drowsy arms.

“Mom, sleep with me,” she murmured, her voice a tender plea that tugged at Maggie’s heartstrings.