The Queen's Back

Chapter 11

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Mona lay in bed, watching Maxwell huddled on the couch. He looked so pitiful, like a big dog abandoned by its owner. Her heart ached, and she wanted to pull him into her arms. After what felt like ages, Mona whispered, "Maxwell, are you asleep?" "No." Maxwell's deep voice came from the darkness.

"I'm having trouble sleeping," Mona said softly. "I just can't seem to fall asleep."

"Close your eyes, clear your mind, and take deep breaths," Maxwell suggested. He turned his back and glanced at the bed. In the dim light, he could just make out Mona's silhouette under the covers.

His heart warmed with a strange feeling. Mona was lying in his bed-the very bed he usually slept in. The faint scent of her perfume hung in the air, a soft fragrance that made it hard for him to sleep as well.

With a sigh, Mona said, "It's no use, I still can't sleep. Are you sure you don't want to come up here? My sleeping position is pretty good."

In the dark, her courage grew. Despite Maxwell turning her down once, she found herself asking again. Feeling a bit shy, she remembered that the closest they'd ever been was the kiss Maxwell gave her at their engagement party. They hadn't had much chance to get close since then.

Suddenly, Mona felt the bed shift slightly as Maxwell lay down next to her, and his deep voice said, "Go to sleep" The warmth of his body and his masculine scent made Mona's heart race. She slowly moved closer to him, drawn by his heat.

Mona thought about everything Maxwell had done for her in her past life, and a wave of love filled her chest. She wanted to tell him the truth, but who would believe such a strange story? He'd probably think she was crazy.

a deep, restful sleep. Maxwell, however, couldn't sleep at all. The soft scent of her filled the air, wrapping around him like a gentle web. He felt a strong pull

heart raced as he looked at her,

skin and imagine her plush lips close

It's okay to hold her, right?' Maxwell thought, trying to justify the embrace. But now that he was holding her, other thoughts started to

was the best night's sleep she'd had in a long time. With Maxwell beside her, she slept through the night without waking up from that unsettling feeling of

already gone. The only sign he'd been there was the crumpled bedsheets next to her. Mona wondered

bed last night, she was relieved to see he didn't seem annoyed. Come on, Mona, be braver. Maxwell's practically yours already! she whispered to herself. If anyone had walked in then, they would've seen

blue dress fit her perfectly,

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15.16 Sat, Chapter 11

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like it was made just

the couch. She greeted him with a smile and sat next to him. "Thanks for the dress, it's gorgeous. I really

even as he spoke, his eyes couldn't help but linger on her. The dress, which seemed ordinary before, now looked even more stunning on

still fuming about how Gordon had been eyeing

sighing at the thought of facing her

over her. "Mona, how was your time with Maxwell? I'm so jealous! He must spoil you so much-he's perfect! How lucky you are!" Barbara gushed, clinging to Mona's side. Mona could barely tolerate her fake cheerfulness.