The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 861

"What's going on?" Felicia asked, her heart filling with worry. She reached out and took Anne from Max's arms.

"Mommy," Anne murmured, her voice small and tired.

Seeing her daughter's red, puffy eyes made Felicia's chest tighten. She glanced at the man standing before her, easily sensing the heavy shift in his demeanor as well. Holding Anne securely, she turned and walked over to the sofa. She cradled her daughter tightly against her chest, gently wiping her soft cheeks. "Mommy's right here with you."

Anne snuggled deeper into her mother's embrace.

Max walked over and said, "You stay with her. I'm going to head upstairs."

Felicia looked up at him and nodded in agreement.

Max turned and made his way up the stairs, leaving Felicia and Anne alone in the living room.

"If you're feeling sad, do you want to talk to Mommy about it?" Felicia asked softly.

Anne lifted her little head to look at her mother. "Mommy, Great-Grandpa is very sick. His body isn't doing well."

Felicia had already guessed as much. Brysen had been hospitalized several times recently, and she figured his condition was likely severe. While she didn't have much of a personal attachment to the old man, seeing her daughter in so much pain broke her heart. She could only try to soothe her. "He has so many people taking good care of him. He's going to get better. Don't be scared, sweetheart."

Anne lowered her head again. "I'm just really worried about him."

Felicia gazed at her daughter, gently holding her small hands. "Do you want to stay and keep Great-Grandpa company?"

Anne looked up at her mother again, her voice a hesitant mumble. "Can you wait a little longer before going to Cloudville, Mommy?"

Felicia could feel the nervous tension radiating from her daughter. She stroked Anne's head, her expression softening into a tender, reassuring smile. "You can stay here and keep Great-Grandpa company first. Mommy will go ahead and wait for you there. You can come join me whenever you're ready."

Hearing her mother's words, Anne gave a small nod. "I'll come find you really soon."

"Okay, Mommy will be waiting for you," Felicia said, pulling her close in a warm hug.

Anne's mood visibly lifted.

Anne nodded earnestly. "I know."

Max gently stroked her cheek. Felicia watched quietly from the side, clearly seeing the deep reluctance in the man's eyes at the thought of leaving his daughter.

He stood up and looked at Felicia. "Send me a message when you get to Cloudville."

Felicia nodded in agreement.

Seeing that it was almost time to board, Isaac stepped forward to remind him. "Mr. Hawthorne, it's time to go."

"You should board," Felicia said. "Don't miss your flight."

Max fixed his gaze on her. Suddenly, he reached out, grabbed her arm, and pulled her flush against his chest. One large hand cupped the back of her head, and he tilted her face up, capturing her lips in a direct, unmistakable kiss.

It happened so fast she didn't even have a second to react.