“Mommy.”
Max got out of the car, Anne’s small hand tucked inside his. Together, they walked over to Felicia and Luke.
“Morning, Luke,” Max said, his voice warm.
Luke crouched down to Anne’s level, offering her a soft smile. “Hi, Anne.” He reached into his pocket and handed her a little gift. “I hope you have a year filled with happiness.”
Anne took the present, her eyes lighting up. “Thank you, Uncle Luke.” Then she leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek, the innocence in her gesture making a few people smile.
Luke laughed and gently pinched her cheek, clearly delighted.
Anne turned and held the gift out to Felicia. “Mommy, can you hold this for me?”
Felicia accepted it with a smile. “Of course, sweetheart. I’ll keep it safe.”
“Anne, come on. Let’s go inside with Mommy,” Max said.
Anne immediately reached up for Felicia’s hand. “Mommy.”
Felicia gave Luke a nod. “Let’s all head in.”
Luke just nodded, eyes lingering a moment longer.
Grinning, Anne grabbed Max’s hand too, hopping along between her parents. She swung their arms with every step, giggling as they made their way toward the house.
A few paces behind, Luke watched them, eyes trailing over Felicia. His smile faded. He slowed down, letting distance grow between them.
Wyatt noticed as everyone exchanged greetings. He caught the look in Luke’s eye, the way he couldn’t quite hide the sadness.
“Luke.”
Luke straightened up and forced a smile. “Hey, Wyatt.”
Wyatt threw an arm around his shoulder. “You’re a tough guy to pin down lately. I barely see you anymore.”
Luke shrugged. “Work’s been intense.”
They chatted for a bit, then everyone drifted into the living room.
Miranda was at the hospital with Brysen, Rose was with her own family for the day, Brandon and Tatiana had gone to visit the Martins, and Max had brought his family to the Gilberts for the holiday.
Max, Luke and Wyatt went off to the sports court for a quick basketball game.
When Luke got tired, he plopped down on the sidelines. Wyatt came over and handed him a bottle of water.
Luke took it with a thankful nod. “Appreciate it.”
Wyatt flopped into the seat next to him. “Heard your aunt asked about you today. She’s set on introducing you to someone. Says you’re not getting any younger. Time to start thinking about settling down and all that.”
Luke laughed, a little self-mocking. “Is there an age when everyone just unlocks the matchmaking mode?”
Wyatt grinned. “It comes from a place of love, you know.”
Luke shook his head. “Work keeps me busy enough. I barely have time to think about myself, let alone meet someone.”
Wyatt leaned in. “Come on. Is it really the job? Or is there someone you can’t get out of your mind?”
Luke’s gaze dropped and he didn’t answer.
Wyatt’s tone softened. “Look, Luke. Sometimes, when you miss a chance with someone, there’s no getting it back. You’re not just living for yourself. You’ve got your family to think about too.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max)
Nothing today...
The story starting to feel dragged out. Nothing much is happening anymore and Felicia and Max are getting kinda boring.. it’s just the same cycle over and over again...
I used to like this story but now it draaaaags :( Now it seems like all characters are problematic and toxic (yes, ALL characters). Wish the author will give some warmth/emotion in this story. 700+ chapters and still no highlight, no exciting part, just pure coldness and expressionlessness lol...
Max and felicia really need to figure things out. Either humble max down and get him to respect his wife. Or let felicia be a free woman. Max is so ignorant and egomaniac...
I've reached chapter 104 with a broken heart huhuuhu. This is so heavy, so sad. I know the chapters onwards will be more lighter. Can't wait for the pay back time....
When will this novel get an end It's dragging so much. Just kill max asap. How much should felicia bare. Give her freedom from that max and anne. Anne is so annoying child. I know she wants to patch up her mother and father. But sometimes it's really boring.please finish the novel soon. Everyday we have to check for the chapter updates. For God sake finish it off. How many more chapters are there . You could have make the novel short and sweet. I wish if it was in theatre we could have finish it soon....
I am waiting for the update, thank you uploader we reader enjoying the story...
Finally! The robot Max is turning into a human....
The longer it takes to update chapters, the faster I lose my interest. Time to find another novel to indulge to, I guess....
Please 🙏 upload more chapters...