The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 541

As Felicia made her way back toward the villa after saying goodbye to Jeremy, her phone started buzzing. Tommy’s name lit up the screen.

She picked up. “Hey.”

Tommy had been shadowing Max for the past couple of days. Because of that, Felicia already knew Max had met with Darin yesterday. When Darin left the club, he’d looked completely miserable, which pretty much told her the conversation hadn’t gone well at all.

What could have happened that was so urgent it had to be discussed on New Year’s Day? Later that night, Max had gone to see Darin again and ended up taking him to the hospital.

Tommy’s voice came through the line. “Miss Curtis went back to Highfield Manor, but today she was sent away again. Mr. Hawthorne didn’t stay long before heading back to Oakridge Estate.”

Felicia listened and pieced things together. Darin and Max must have had a falling out. Just a few days ago at the airport, Darin and Andrea had seemed so reluctant to say goodbye. Andrea had even come back to see him, so why would Darin send her away again so soon?

She had so many questions and no answers.

The next couple of days, Max barely left the house. He didn’t show up at any parties or dinners, just stayed in and, for once, looked like the picture of a domestic husband.

Felicia and Anne were staying with the Ross family. Max didn’t pressure her. He only asked when she planned to come home so he could pick her and Anne up.

On the last night of the holiday, Max drove to West Hill Residence to get them himself. Anne said goodbye to Ava and Colton.

Colton wasn’t happy about his daughter going back to Oakridge Estate, and it was obvious he didn’t like Max. But he respected Felicia’s choices and didn’t make a scene.

Ava’s feelings were tangled. She knew Yvonne and Andrea were probably having a rough time right now, and all their scheming seemed to have ended up for nothing. Still, the idea of Felicia being stuck in this marriage broke her heart, and Anne was such a sweet, thoughtful kid.

As a mother, Ava understood exactly how Felicia must feel.

Felicia hugged them both and got in the car.

Max carefully buckled Anne into her seat, made sure she was safe, then closed the door. He glanced back at Colton and Ava, still standing there in the cold.

She walked over, reached out, and picked one from the bunch, turning it over in her hand.

Rhodes roses. The leaves were still fresh and green. They must have been flown in from France that very day.

Just then, Max came back in. He walked up behind her, wrapped his arms gently around her waist, and leaned down so his cheek rested against her shoulder.

His voice was soft. “Do you like them?”

Felicia spun the rose between her fingers. Her face was calm, almost blank, and whatever she was thinking stayed hidden.

She was quiet for a moment, then finally spoke. “Max, have you ever actually loved anyone?”

She used to think he loved Andrea, but now she realized Andrea was more like a pet to him. Pets didn’t need to be smart or clever, just beautiful and obedient. Someone who would depend on him for everything, someone whose every emotion he could control.