The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 7

Felicia sat rigid, every muscle tense. Deep down, she’d always been a little afraid of Max, the kind of fear that came from being around someone who held all the power. When his expression went cold, she never dared to talk back. But right now, she forced herself to breathe. The divorce was only days away. Soon, she’d be out of his life, just like he wanted. There was nothing left to hope for, so really, why should she be scared of him?

“Are you saying I made a mistake?” His voice was sharp, icy, with a mocking edge.

Felicia looked him straight in the eye, her nails digging deep into her palms. Her voice was steady, a little louder than before. “You blamed me without even asking what happened, Mr. Hawthorne. Shouldn’t I get a chance to defend myself?”

Max’s expression grew even colder. “This is exactly what you deserve.”

It felt like something inside her had snapped. Her heart twisted painfully, and her face drained of color.

Just then, the lounge door opened. A girl stepped out, dressed in a pale pink silk slip dress. Her long dark hair was smooth and shining, her skin so soft it almost glowed. Her features were so beautiful, Felicia couldn’t help but stare.

“Max!” The girl’s voice was soft and sweet, like a warm breeze after the rain.

Felicia finally got a good look at her. She was stunning, the kind of beautiful that made Felicia feel plain and invisible. She only had a moment to look before Max’s harsh voice cut through the air. “Get out!”

Felicia tore her eyes away, biting back the emotions threatening to spill over. She turned and walked out of the office. As she closed the door behind her, she heard the girl’s gentle voice, soothing and calm. Max’s anger faded in seconds.

Felicia lifted her head, blinking away tears that stung her eyes. She hurried to a quiet, empty stairwell, gripped the cold railing, and finally let the tears fall. Her body shook with sobs so deep they made her stomach hurt. Pulling an eight-year love out of her heart felt like scraping bone. But she told herself it was fine. Someday, she’d move on. Someday, she would forget him.

Andrea Curtis drew her hand back and said softly, “It’s alright. Let’s go.”

The two of them left. Felicia stayed where she was, staring at the pearl in her palm. It was flawless, silver-blue, almost glowing. It’s pure, just like the girl who gave it to her. She wondered if Miss Curtis knew Max was married.

Back at her desk, Felicia printed out another copy of the original file and dropped it in front of Sandy. Sandy didn’t look guilty at all. In fact, she looked proud.

“Now you see what kind of girl is good enough for Mr. Hawthrone,” Sandy said, gloating.

Felicia threw the document onto the desk. “So I’m not good enough, and neither are you. All you know are these cheap tricks. You’ll never get anywhere that way. You’re in your thirties. Maybe it’s time to find someone to marry and stop chasing after fairy tales.”