The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 2

Max’s mother had probably already heard from the hospital by now.

Just then, Felicia’s phone buzzed. She snapped out of her thoughts, reached into her bag, and checked the screen. For a second, she just stared. Her advisor in college was calling. She answered.

“Mr. Milman?”

“There’s a spot open for a doctoral program at Stanford. Want to give it a shot?”

Felicia went quiet, completely blindsided. When she didn’t say anything, Jeremy Milman started to back off.

“If you’re not interested—”

“I want it,” Felicia cut in, her voice steady and sure.

Now it was Jeremy’s turn to pause. He knew exactly how hard Felicia had worked, just for the chance to stand next to Max. Now she was married, pregnant, finally where she thought she wanted to be. He never expected her to consider leaving all that behind. He’d only called on a whim.

“Mr. Milman,” Felicia said softly.

Jeremy cleared his throat. “Alright, come by my office at ten tomorrow morning.”

“Okay.”

He hung up, and Felicia set her phone down, letting out a long breath. It felt like sunlight breaking through after a long storm. Maybe it was time for her to wake up. A man who didn’t love you wasn’t going to be changed by a child.

Her phone rang again. Miranda wanted her to go back to the Hawthorne estate. Felicia agreed. It was about the baby.

Suddenly she felt sharper, more awake. She went to the bathroom, took a long, hot shower, and tried to wash away the heaviness clinging to her. Sitting at her vanity, she studied her face in the mirror. Puffy cheeks, dark circles, bags under her eyes, spots on her skin—she barely recognized herself. Who could love a face like that? How could she ever deserve to stand beside Max?

She did her makeup, put on a pink coat, and pulled a white beanie over her hair. It helped. She looked more like herself again.

She was about to drive herself to the estate when her phone rang again. Max’s name flashed on the screen. His voice was as cold as ever.

“What’s the gender?”

“It’s a girl,” Felicia replied.

He didn’t react at all, just nodded.

“When the baby’s born, we’ll get a divorce.”

Felicia’s heart clenched. Her fingers dug into her coat. She’d always known this marriage wouldn’t last, but hearing him say it out loud hurt more than she expected.

She bit her lip. “Alright,” she said quietly.

Max glanced at her, looking almost surprised by how easily she agreed.