The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 1171

Miranda placed an immense amount of importance on the child Felicia was carrying. It was the sole piece of joyful news they had received since Brysen's passing, effectively breathing fresh life back into the grieving household.

After dinner, Daniel pulled Max aside for a private conversation, primarily concerning Luke.

"Jeffrey's only ignoring Willa right now because he's overwhelmed with internal family issues," Daniel pointed out. "But knowing him, he won't let her slip away so easily."

"Then Luke needs to make a firm decision," Max replied evenly. "The best strategy is to publicly announce his relationship with Willa. Whether they just announce they are dating or immediately get engaged, it's the most effective way to secure her."

Daniel frowned slightly. "You make it sound so simple. Father has no idea about any of this. He still thinks Luke is actively pursuing Ivy."

"You can arrange for Aunt Rose to meet Willa properly," Max suggested. "Let her smooth things over with him. After all, her son's lifelong happiness is paramount. Aside from Jeffrey's interference, Willa's background is perfectly clean. If she marries Luke, forging a direct alliance between the Mannings and the Hawthornes, it certainly wouldn't harm Jeffrey's interests either."

Daniel let out a heavy sigh, absorbing the logic.

"Ultimately, the decision rests entirely in Luke's hands," Max added.

A prolonged silence settled between the brothers.

"When do you plan on remarrying Felicia?" Daniel finally asked.

"There's no rush," Max answered casually. "We'll wait until after she safely delivers the baby."

Daniel didn't press the issue further, merely offering a fond observation. "To think you're about to become a father of two."

When the evening wound down, Max took Felicia and Anne back to their home.

Felicia pressed her lips into a thin line and tried to look away, but Max gently tipped her chin up. His warm, damp lips captured hers in a sudden, breathtaking kiss.

Her eyes widened in shock. The intimately familiar scent, the overwhelming sensation of his mouth against hers, it all sent fragments of blurry, forgotten memories rushing through her mind. Her consciousness quickly melted into the intoxicating heat of the embrace.

She had no idea how much time passed, only that her neck was starting to ache from the angle.

Max finally pulled back. He stared down at her misty, watery eyes, her flushed cheeks, and her softly parted lips drawing in ragged breaths. Their gazes locked. The air around them felt thick, steeped in a heady, intoxicating fragrance.

Max's eyes darkened with raw, undisguised hunger. Felicia abruptly snapped back to reality, sitting bolt upright and gripping her robe defensively. "Aren't you going to take a shower?" she urged, her voice trembling slightly.

Max let out a low, gravelly hum of agreement. He grabbed his sleepwear and strode into the bathroom, stepping directly under the freezing spray of the showerhead to douse his raging desires.