The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 54

Felicia had no idea how long Max would be caught up with work, so she just left early. Dean drove her over to the family estate.

When Max finally finished packing up and came downstairs, he noticed Marian alone in the foyer. He looked around and asked, “Go get her.”

Marian rolled her eyes. “She already left. No clue what she’s trying to prove. Nobody’s giving her a hard time.” Her voice carried a hint of annoyance.

Max just frowned a little and didn’t bother replying. He picked up his keys and walked out.

Felicia reached the estate before Max did. The Hawthorne family was all there today, and the driveway was packed with expensive cars. As she headed inside, she bumped into Luke.

They hadn’t seen each other in a while. Luke grinned and glanced at her belly. “Looks like the baby’s growing, but your face looks slimmer. You’re glowing.”

Felicia couldn’t help but smile back. Only Luke would say something like that.

“You look more handsome than ever,” she shot back.

He laughed. “Yeah? I thought so too.”

They both burst out laughing, the easy banter breaking the ice. “Come on, let’s go in,” he said.

Felicia had been feeling anxious, like an outsider showing up at someone else’s family reunion. But with Luke by her side, she felt a lot less tense.

They stepped into the living room. The place was cozy, full of laughter and chatter, kids’ voices mixing with grown-up conversations. Only the ladies were there for now.

Miranda noticed them and waved them over. Luke greeted everyone first, then Felicia followed, politely saying hello to each person.

Miranda turned to her. “You’re by yourself? Where’s Max?”

Randy and Paul tore into the presents, their faces lighting up with pure excitement.

Felicia watched the scene, wondering if Max would ever be that gentle with their own child. The thought stung, so she quickly looked away, hiding the flicker of worry and loneliness in her eyes. No one seemed to notice.

Luke, catching the exchange, glanced at her with concern.

Just then, the butler appeared to announce that dinner was ready. Miranda sent someone to call the rest of the family down.

In the dining room, everyone gradually took their seats. Felicia sat next to Max, with Luke on her other side. It was rare for everyone to gather like this, and the Hawthornes didn’t have any strict rules about silence at the table. The room buzzed with laughter and stories.

As long as no one brought up her baby, Felicia mostly faded into the background. The only one who really made an effort to talk to her was still Luke.