The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 26

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and somehow, Felicia ended up as Luke’s cousin’s wife—at least in name.

“I haven’t seen Luke in forever,” Ava sighed, her voice drifting with nostalgia. “I wonder what he looks like these days.”

Luke tore down the highway, cutting what should have been a forty minute drive to just twenty. He was dressed to impress for a meeting, his suit crisp and perfectly tailored. There was a new steadiness about him, a quiet confidence. At six foot one, with a slim, athletic build and that unmistakable boyish charm, he was impossible to miss in a crowd. All the Hawthorne men were good looking, but Max still managed to stand out, even among them.

When Luke spotted Ava, his face broke into a grin. “Ava, it’s been way too long.”

She laughed, her eyes lighting up. “It really has. You just keep getting more handsome, don’t you?”

Luke just grinned wider, not shy at all. “Wait till next time. I’ll be even better looking.”

Ava couldn’t help but laugh at that.

Luke turned to Felicia with a mischievous glint in his eye. “You getting ready for your big weigh-in at New Year’s?”

They hadn’t seen each other in ages. The last time was the family dinner right after she and Max got married, when Luke first found out she’d married Max. He hadn’t been around for any family gatherings since. Probably just busy getting his company off the ground. Still, even after all this time, things felt easy and natural between them.

Around Luke, Felicia felt completely at ease. She shot him a playful look, itching to kick him under the table, but her current state made that impossible.

They were in a hurry, so after a quick goodbye to Ava, they climbed into the car. Ava called after Luke, telling him to stop by for dinner sometime.

“I will, for sure,” Luke called back as he closed the door.

Luke noticed the change in her expression. He kept his eyes on the road, voice gentle. “Something wrong?”

Felicia shook herself out of her thoughts and forced a smile. “It’s nothing.”

Luke glanced at her, his gaze thoughtful and steady. He knew things weren’t easy for her. Max didn’t love her, and the rest of the family hadn’t really accepted her. Everyone in the Hawthorne family knew it, even if no one said it out loud. They kept their distance, never inviting her to birthdays or weddings or family parties. Max always showed up alone, as if he was still single.

Tonight, their great-aunt was throwing a big birthday banquet. Felicia clearly had no idea. No one had bothered to tell her. In the Hawthorne family’s eyes, she was still an outsider.

Luke wanted to say something comforting, but the words just wouldn’t come. Nothing felt right.

The car settled into a heavy, quiet silence.