The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 133

“Felicia!”

Felicia looked over, her voice soft. “I’m fine. Really, don’t worry.”

They sat together on the little bench outside the bathroom. Yara held tight to Felicia’s hand. “Please don’t cry.”

Felicia squeezed Yara’s tiny fingers and managed a smile. “I’m not crying. See? All better.”

Heather’s concern was written all over her face. “What’s going on?”

Felicia let out a shaky breath, her voice dropping. “I just saw my daughter.”

Heather’s eyes went wide. She knew how complicated things were for Felicia.

“You saw your ex…” Heather hesitated, realizing the word didn’t quite fit. The divorce wasn’t even final yet. “Was she with her dad? Did he recognize you?”

Felicia shook her head. She’d imagined this moment so many times. She wanted to see Anne but was terrified of that helpless, aching feeling of not being able to hold her close. She didn’t want Max to see her either. She didn’t want any more ties between them.

In that moment, Felicia just felt so small and defeated. Running away seemed easier than facing the pain head on. She wished she could be as brave as Heather, who had fought for herself when her own marriage ended.

Heather didn’t know what to say at first. She just waited quietly until Felicia seemed calmer.

“Let’s take Yara somewhere else,” Felicia suggested.

Heather nodded. “Good idea.”

They left the mall behind and found a dessert shop nearby. Yara, picking up on Felicia’s mood, even offered her the rest of her pudding. The gesture made Felicia smile, and her heart felt lighter.

Felicia’s smile was radiant, sunlight lighting up her face. There was something captivating about her, a softness that drew people in.

“Max!”

Max turned away from the window, his expression unreadable. He looked at Andrea, his voice as calm as ever. “What is it?”

Andrea had seen the whole thing. She knew Max had been watching Felicia. She tried to hide her own feelings, forcing a light tone. “Evelynn really is beautiful.”

Anne was sleeping soundly in the car seat between them. Ever since Anne had come into Max’s life, Andrea couldn’t just throw fits or make demands like she used to. In the beginning, she’d fought with him over Anne, thinking Max would keep spoiling her no matter what. But he hadn’t.

When she left for Northwick and ignored his calls, even tried to make him jealous, Max only called a couple of times before going quiet.