The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 103

Felicia’s phone chimed with a new message from Luke. He’d sent over photos and a video from Anne’s one-month celebration.

“Anne grabbed the locket you sent and was all smiles. She must have known it was from her mom.”

Felicia couldn’t help but smile back at her screen. For the first time in a while, she felt a sense of calm settling in. She had come to terms with it. Even if she couldn’t be there, she wanted to witness her daughter growing up, even if only from afar.

In the photos, Anne looked happy and healthy. It was obvious the Hawthorne family adored her and took wonderful care of her.

“She’s such a clever little kid,” Felicia typed back.

Luke replied, “Of course. Any child of yours is bound to be smart.”

Felicia read the words and just sat with them, her heart aching and warming all at once.

A few days later, her phone rang out of nowhere. It was Max.

“I’m leaving on a business trip for a few days. You should come and look after Anne,” he said.

Felicia froze. She’d expected this call to be about the divorce. The processing period was almost over—just three days left. She hadn’t even considered the possibility that he’d ask her to come back and take care of their daughter. For a long moment, she didn’t know how to respond.

What was he thinking? Was he giving her some sort of chance? Their divorce was practically set in stone. Max had always been decisive, never one to hesitate, and he didn’t even like her, let alone want to fix things. The only explanation that made sense was that he was doing this for Anne, having Felicia see her daughter one last time.

Felicia’s grip tightened on the phone. The line was quiet. Max was waiting for her answer.

Seconds dragged on. Her chest felt heavy, like she could barely breathe.

Finally, she forced herself to speak. “I can’t come take care of her. Please look after her for me.”

Felicia’s sobs finally slowed. She was exhausted, both body and soul. Soon after, she drifted off to sleep.

Ava left the room quietly, closing the door behind her and wiping away her own tears.

Colton was waiting in the hallway. “Was it about the baby?”

Ava nodded. “Max just called her. I don’t know what he said, but it had to be about Anne.”

They both knew Felicia had been struggling, even if she tried to hide it from them. For her to break down like this, Max must have really hit a nerve.

Colton’s face was heavy with regret. “I failed as a father.”

Ava reached for his hand. “Don’t blame yourself. And please, don’t say things like that around Felicia. She’s hurting enough as it is.”