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."

as they got to the parking

spree? "This one's cute. Wrap it up. And this, and that, and those too." She pointed at everything that caught her eye, not even blinking. With a stack of cash and

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

finally dress how I want." She 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 dragged Ava up to the men's section on the second floor. She wanted to get something for Maxwell but was totally clueless

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15:17 Sat, Oct 19

Chapter 13

"Mona, don't jump from one bad relationship to another.

chuckled. "Teddy's a jerk, no doubt, but Maxwell's different. I'm leveling up-becoming the sweet little wife of a bossy CEO. Now,

with gold-rimmed glasses. He'd look so irresistible she might

immediately recognized the girl-it was Quinn Hart, the same brat Teddy always called his

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

clenched her fists in frustration. 'Poor Mona's been through so much for Teddy. Why