The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 45

Max reached out and took the candy from Mandy’s hand. “Thanks, Mandy.”

Mandy grinned, her dimples popping out and making her look impossibly sweet. “You’re welcome.”

Hope’s voice floated across the room. “Max is about to have a daughter too. Mandy, soon you’ll have a little sister.”

Max managed a polite smile, but it was hard to tell what he was really feeling.

Mandy ran over to Hope, full of curiosity. “Where’s my little sister?”

Hope gently patted Mandy’s soft hair. “She hasn’t been born yet.”

Mandy blinked up at her. “When will she be born?”

Hope smiled. “After the New Year. That’s when you’ll have a little sister.”

“So I can spend the New Year with her?”

“That’s right.”

Miranda looked at Mandy with a gaze full of love.

Hope turned to Miranda and said, “You’ll have a great-granddaughter next year too.”

Miranda nodded, her eyes soft. “Yes, I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”

The whole room felt warm and light, everyone sharing in the good mood.

Wyatt smiled at Max. “Looks like you’re finally joining the dads club.”

Max’s lips curved up a bit, but if you really looked at his eyes, there was a chill there that didn’t match the smile.

Right then, Nate’s voice cut through the conversation. “So, Max, why didn’t you bring her to dinner tonight?”

The room went silent. The easy mood vanished. No one ever talked about Felicia. Even when they mentioned the baby, nobody said her name. It was just something everyone understood.

Max didn’t say anything.

Tatiana glanced at him, her voice softer. “I’ve heard you’re with Andrea now.”

He didn’t bother hiding it, so the news had spread. Tatiana had only just heard about it herself.

Max just gave a quiet hum.

Tatiana went on. “The Curtis family is well-respected in Northwick. You two make a good match. I knew her mother a long time ago. But you’re still married, Max. It would be better to keep things quiet. I wonder if Mr. Gilbert heard something, and that’s why he brought it up tonight.”

Everyone knew Felicia wasn’t really a match for Max, but she was still his wife. And now she was pregnant. If Max was seen with another woman, it wouldn’t look good. Nate just stood up for Felicia in front of everyone. For a family like the Hawthornes, reputation meant everything.

Max sounded a little impatient. “I know what I’m doing.”

Tatiana let out a quiet sigh. “Can’t I even say a word?”

Her son had always been steady, independent, and smart. Even as a kid, he showed a kind of sharpness and ability that impressed everyone, earning him the respect of both his grandfather and grandmother.