The Queen's Back

Chapter

13

On the second floor, Maxwell's business partner noticed he seemed distracted, staring intently at something downstairs. Worried that the deal might be going south, the partner was about to offer more concessions when Maxwell suddenly sweetened the deal even further. The partner couldn't believe his luck and glanced down, only to see two women who were absolutely stunning with every smile and gesture. But Maxwell wasn't the type to be swayed by looks. Oh well, as long as the deal went through, that was all that mattered. Downstairs in the café, Mona and Ava were chatting over coffee, Mona was letting off steam about Teddy's arrogance. "Can you believe it? He actually thinks I'd just forgive him like that!" she huffed. "I'm starting to wonder if it's my own fault for boosting his ego back then." Ava looked at her skeptically. "Mona, are you really over Teddy?" It's no surprise Ava had her doubts, considering how obsessed Mona used to be. Back then, she'd drop everything to pick Teddy up in the middle of the night, even in freezing weather, just to cover his tab and drag him home. No complaints, no questions. And when his parents got on his case for being a slacker, she'd jump in to defend him, scared he'd get upset. Noticing the doubt in Ava's expression, Mona couldn't blame her. Honestly, if someone had told her in the past that she'd one day stop loving Teddy, she wouldn't have believed it either. But now, she nodded with conviction. "Yep, I'm really over him. I'm marrying Maxwell in just a few days."

Ava almost choked on her coffee. "Wait, what? You're actually marrying Maxwell? Are you serious? You're not just doing this to stick it to Teddy, are you?"

Mona felt like knocking some sense into Ava. "What's going on in your head? Why would I throw away my happiness for that loser? Of course, I'm marrying for love! You wouldn't get it, Miss Single."

As she said this, Mona couldn't help but remember how, in her past life, Ava had fallen for the jerk who ended up taking her heart-literally. This time, Mona was determined to stop that from happening. Ava still wasn't buying it. "You're talking like you and Maxwell had some epic love story. Let's be real-this is totally a flash marriage."

Mona brushed it off. "Say what you want. I'm marrying Maxwell because I feel like it. Anyway, if you find someone you're into, make sure you tell me! I'll check him out and see if he's worth your time."

Seeing Mona's serious face, Ava felt it was a bit over the top. Just because she might start dating doesn't mean she'd jump straight into marriage like Mona. But with how sincere Mona looked, Ava just nodded along. "Alright, fine, I'll let you know."

the mall, ready for some serious shopping. But just as they got to the parking lot,

that, and those too." She pointed at everything

but admire her. "Mona, your style's really

picked out a few outfits for Ava as well, casually telling the staff to wrap them up without a second thought. After some shopping for themselves, Mona

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IIL

15:17 Sat, Oct 19

Chapter 13

it in any longer. "Mona, don't jump from one bad relationship to another. You're getting way too caught

jerk, no doubt, but Maxwell's different. I'm leveling up-becoming the sweet little wife of a bossy CEO. Now, let's check out this store." They strolled into a boutique called ELL,

on a mannequin. Her heart raced-it was just perfect for Maxwell. She could already picture him in it, with gold-rimmed glasses. He'd look so irresistible she might just want to pounce on him herself. "Excuse me, could you show me that suit?" Mona asked the salesperson. Before they

the girl-it was Quinn Hart, the

real thorn in Mona's side. Every time Mona tried to buy Teddy a gift, Quinn would swoop in first, often using Mona's money to pay for it. 'I must've been such a rich and gullible fool back then!' Mona thought. Quinn sneered at the staff. "Didn't you hear me? I want that suit! I know Mona's planning to buy it for Teddy anyway. Since I'm having dinner

frustration. 'Poor Mona's been through so much for Teddy. Why