The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 535

When Max got to Highfield Manor, he stepped into the living room. The place was pitch black, and the heavy smell of booze mixed with cigarette smoke hit him right away.

He glanced toward the sofa and could just barely make out someone sitting on the floor, slumped against it.

He flicked on the lights, and suddenly the whole room was bright.

Darin was sprawled on the carpet, leaning back against the couch. He looked completely wrecked, like he had nothing left to give.

Empty bottles and cigarette butts were scattered all over the coffee table and the floor.

In all the years Max had known Darin, he’d never seen him like this. Not even during those years when the Curtis family had him under their thumb. Back then, Darin never let anything show, not even a flicker of emotion.

But ever since Max found out that Felicia was the sister Darin had been searching for all this time, he knew something like this was coming.

Maybe this was why you shouldn’t let your heart get tangled up in things you can’t control. Or maybe you just shouldn’t hand your feelings over to anyone at all. People’s emotions are so fragile, so easy to break.

He used to think Darin was crazy for holding on so tightly. After all these years apart, any old feelings should have faded away. But ever since Anne showed up in his life, Max was starting to get it.

He walked over, sat down on the sofa, and looked down at Darin. “This really isn’t like you. Sitting here in misery won’t fix anything.”

Darin slowly opened his eyes. They were bloodshot, tired. “Why are you here again?”

Max shrugged. “I figured this is where I’d find you. If I hadn’t shown up, were you just going to drink yourself numb all night?”

Darin tried to sit up and reached for a bottle, but it was empty. He just sank back, defeated, then grabbed a cigarette, lit it, and took a long drag. Smoke curled around his face. “I just want to be alone. Go home.”

“Finish your cigarette, and I’ll take you upstairs to rest,” Max said quietly.

Darin paused for a moment, then kept smoking, his face shut off and cold.

Max just stayed there beside him, not saying another word.

The big house felt even emptier than usual, the silence pressing in on them.

“Drink some water,” Max said.

Darin turned his head, refusing.

Max sighed. “Do you really want me to force it down?”

Darin glared at him, but finally took the glass and sipped some water.

About ten minutes later, the paramedics arrived.

They took Darin to the hospital and hooked him up to an IV.

Afterward, Max called Felicia. She picked up, but didn’t say anything.

“I’ll be home late tonight,” Max said quietly.