The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 208

Andrea looked at Felicia and said, “Evelynn, hello.” She sounded like she owned the place.

Felicia didn’t reply. Instead, she glanced at Max. His face was insanely handsome, but as cold and unreadable as ever. She clearly had no intention of greeting him, and Max just stared back at her in silence. The tension in the air was almost visible. He definitely hadn’t forgotten that slap.

Suddenly, Anne’s cheerful voice broke through. “Evelynn, we’re going to the stables today. I want to show you my pony.”

Felicia blinked and looked down at Anne. Just then, the driver pulled the van up and opened the door. Anne grabbed Felicia’s hand. “Come on. Let’s get in.”

Felicia didn’t really have a choice, but honestly, going to the stables with Anne sounded a lot better than staying here. She helped Anne into her car seat, made sure she was buckled in, and then sat beside her. Secretly, Felicia hoped Max and Andrea would pair off and leave her alone with Anne. She knew that was wishful thinking.

“Daddy,” Anne called, her eyes on Max.

Marian came out from the house, carrying Anne’s things, and handed them to Max. He took the bag and glanced at Andrea. “Let’s go.”

Andrea was about to climb in when Anne piped up, “Daddy, isn’t Uncle Darin joining us? Aunt Andrea can ride with him.”

Andrea froze. She looked at Anne and forced a smile. “I want to be with you, Anne.”

“But Evelynn is with me,” Anne answered, perfectly serious.

Felicia could see Andrea’s face crack for a split second. That so-called kindness Andrea showed Anne was just for show. Deep down, she had to resent the kid. Anne was too smart not to pick up on it, and that made Felicia feel a little relieved.

Andrea must have noticed Felicia watching her. As their eyes met, Andrea couldn’t hide the chill in hers. When she looked back at Max, she was pure wounded innocence.

Max stepped forward and told Anne, “She can ride with us. Darin will meet us at the stables.”

Anne looked back at Felicia, as if asking for her opinion. Felicia smiled gently. “It’s alright.”

Anne nodded. “Okay then.” She turned to Andrea. “Aunt Andrea, you can get in.”

Andrea watched the two of them, perfectly in sync. They looked more like a family than she ever could. She was so done with this kid. Anne was clearly trying to embarrass her.

Instead of getting in, Andrea turned to Max, her eyes red and voice shaky. “Max, you can go without me.” Then she walked around the back of the car, heading for the gate.

Max put Anne’s bag in the car, then quickly went after Andrea. Through the window, Felicia saw him pull Andrea into a hug. Andrea struggled for a moment, then slumped against him, crying. He patted her back and tried to comfort her.

Anne saw all of this through the window. Her little face scrunched up in annoyance. She unbuckled her seatbelt and announced, “Evelynn, I don’t want to go anymore.”

Felicia watched Anne get out and had no choice but to follow.

“Miss Anne,” Marian called after her, sounding worried.

Felicia crouched down to Anne’s level. “Did Daddy ever talk to you about Mommy?”

Anne mumbled, “Daddy said Mommy went far away and can’t come back yet.” Her voice was small and sad.

Felicia felt her nose sting and tried not to cry. “Do you… ever feel upset that Mommy isn’t here with you?”

Anne shook her head. “I would never hate Mommy. Mandy’s mommy and my cousins’ mommy are all nice. My mommy must be nice too. She just can’t be with me right now. I’ll be good and wait for her to come back.”

As she spoke, Anne’s eyes reddened with tears.

Felicia couldn’t hold back anymore. She pulled Anne into a tight hug, took a shaky breath, and let the tears fall. Her daughter really was the sweetest child in the world. She didn’t blame her.

Being squeezed so tight, Anne called softly, “Evelynn?”

Felicia didn’t answer. She just held her close.

Anne wrapped her arms around Felicia’s neck, hugging her back.

At the doorway of the art studio, a tall figure stood in silence, taking it all in.