The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 534

The silence stretched between them for what felt like ages. Finally, Darin broke it. “What if I told you to let her go right now?”

Max didn’t even hesitate. “She wouldn’t leave. Not now.”

Darin’s brows knitted together. “Why not?”

“She’s got things she wants to do,” Max answered, his voice steady.

Darin’s face grew colder. “And you know what that is?”

Max shook his head a little. “Whatever it is, I’m fine with it.”

Neither of them spoke for a while. When Darin finally did, his tone was sharp and serious. “Max, I don’t want to see her become just another one of your toys.”

Max let out a quiet breath. “She’s the sister you’ve been looking for all these years. She’s Anne’s mom. She’s not some plaything to me.” He paused for a second, then added, “A lot of things happened between us, things I wish hadn’t. But she loves Anne, and Anne can’t be without her. Getting a divorce wouldn’t be the answer. It would only drag her into a whole new mess. Whatever happens later, at least right now her life is stable.”

Darin’s eyes narrowed. “You really know how to get under people’s skin. But if she ever decides she wants out, I don’t want to see you forcing her to stay.”

He didn’t wait for a reply and walked out of the room.

Max sat there for a while, wine glass in hand, staring at the snow falling outside. When he finished his drink, he pulled out his phone, snapped a picture of the snowy scene, and sent it to Felicia. The text read: The snow’s beautiful today. Next time, let’s bring Anne to see it.

Felicia saw the photo but didn’t reply.

Max stood up and headed back to the old house.

That night, Darin didn’t go home for dinner at the Ross family house. Colton called to check in.

His phone started vibrating. He glanced at the screen. It was Andrea. He tossed the phone aside without answering. She called again, and when he still didn’t pick up, she sent a message.

Darin didn’t look. He just kept drinking, letting the smell of alcohol fill the whole living room.

After the dinner party, Max brought Felicia and Anne back to Oakridge Estate. As soon as they got out of the car, Max’s phone buzzed again. He checked the screen, then hung up without answering.

Felicia led Anne ahead. Anne skipped along, holding her mother’s hand, full of energy and giggles, not caring who Max had just ignored.

“Daddy, come on! Hurry up!” Anne called back.

Max put his phone away, caught up to them, and said to Felicia, “I need to head out for a bit. Take care of Anne tonight, okay?”