The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 211

Max glanced up at Felicia.

Felicia didn’t even look his way. She turned to Anne instead. “Anne, are you finished eating?”

Anne nodded. “I’m full.”

Felicia grabbed a napkin and gently wiped Anne’s mouth. Anne tipped her head back, pouting a little, letting her mom clean her up.

Felicia couldn’t help but smile at her daughter’s cute little face. She had the urge to plant a kiss right on those pouty cheeks.

After making sure Anne’s face was spotless, Felicia looked up and, for a second, locked eyes with Max. Whatever warmth she’d been feeling disappeared. She quickly bent down, unfastened Anne from the high chair, and carried her out of the dining room, not saying a word.

Max stayed at the table, eyes fixed on Felicia’s back as she walked away. He let out a quiet, cold laugh.

After lunch, the three of them headed out to the stables by car.

Anne was in a great mood the whole way.

Felicia and Max, on the other hand, barely acknowledged each other. But in front of Anne, they both made an effort to tone things down.

About twenty minutes into the ride, Anne started nodding off, ready for her nap.

Max settled her in his arms, gently patting her back. She fell asleep almost instantly.

The car fell quiet, just the soft hum of the road beneath them.

Felicia stared out her window, lost in thought.

Max, holding Anne with one arm, looked out the opposite window.

Neither of them said a word for the rest of the drive.

The stables were on the outskirts of town, almost an hour away.

The weather was perfect, a light breeze and just enough cloud cover to keep the sun from beating down.

Felicia smiled and shook her head. “It’s okay, sweetie. I don’t need to change to be with you. Aren’t you excited to show your pony to me? Let’s go.”

Anne gave a little “oh” and hurried off.

At the stables, a groom led out Anne’s pony. The little horse was pure white, its coat so soft and shiny it looked like a pearl in the sunlight.

Anne rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Pearl’s neck. “Pearl, I’m here to see you!”

Pearl seemed just as happy, stamping her hooves and tossing her head.

Anne took the reins and led Pearl toward the riding ring, Felicia walking right beside her.

Max was still on a work call and hadn’t joined them yet.

That was just fine. Felicia loved having some time alone with Anne.

Anne climbed onto Pearl’s back and started riding, looking like she’d been born in the saddle. The groom stayed close, but Pearl’s pace was gentle, and Anne seemed completely in control.