The Queen's Back

Chapter 15

like all the warmth had been drained out of the air around him.

"Maxwell, what's going on? We agreed on this, didn't we? Of course, I want them to be on board. I'm just curious about what you told them," Mona quickly explained. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Maxwell today-he seemed colder than usual She didn't know what was up with him, but thankfully, she had enough warmth for both of them. After everything she'd gone through in her past life, she knew Maxwell better than anyone. She wasn't scared of him anymore. "Nothing, let's just go." Maxwell's tone was short, but he still opened the passenger door for her, making sure she didn't bump her head as she got in.

The ride to the city hall was silent, with only the whooshing sound of the wind filling the space between them. Mona had no clue what to talk about, while Maxwell was still brooding over the thought of her wanting to reconcile with Teddy.

Maxwell knew deep down that Mona was only marrying him out of spite toward Teddy, but understanding that didn't make it hurt any less. The thought alone was enough to dampen his mood.

At first, he'd been over the moon when Mona agreed to get engaged-he'd been so thrilled he couldn't sleep that night. But now, he couldn't help but wish that one day, she'd truly fall for him.

He wasn't sure when that would happen, but he believed it would. And when it did, they could have the wedding they both deserved. But as for the marriage license? That couldn't wait any longer.

Given their status in Nathontown, getting the marriage license was a breeze. No lines, no hassle-just some signatures, a couple of stamps, and a quick photo. The whole thing took less than six minutes.

As they stepped out of the city hall, Mona stared at the marriage license in her hands, feeling a strange sense of calm. The position every girl in Nathontown dreamed of was now hers. Glancing at the man beside her, she couldn't help but feel a wave of satisfaction. After they got into the car, Mona, sitting in the passenger seat, hesitated before finally calling out, "Max." It felt a bit awkward, but he was her husband now-getting closer seemed natural.

wife. Hearing Mona call him that stirred something inside him.

you have any plans later? Could you drop me off at the hospital?" Mona asked

feeling unwell?" Maxwell asked urgently, his voice filled with concern. He was immediately on edge, fearing that something might

eyes, Mona's heart fluttered slightly.

that, Maxwell's tensed nerves relaxed, and he drove them to the private hospital she mentioned. The moment they

from Maxwell anyway. He'd find out sooner or later. Honestly, she'd love to blow this whole matter up-after all, the

concern for her grandparents. With Jeremy still running the

though she'd known this in her past life, seeing it in black and white still hit hard. Suddenly, all those years of Jeremy favoring

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caught a glance at the papers, his eyes widening. 'So Jeremy's not Mona's real father?' he thought, shocked. "Max, can I lean on your shoulder for a bit? I'm feeling kinda down," Mona asked softly.

a moment, then gave a small, awkward nod. This felt even more than the time he'd secretly hugged her-only this time, she was the one initiating it. Sure, she had her reasons, but it meant she wasn't uncomfortable being close to him. Mustering up his courage, he nervously patted her back, his heart racing

weren't sure how long they stayed like that, but eventually, Mona felt a bit better and

husky as he tried to keep his cool, hiding just how much their closeness

okay now. I kind of expected this result anyway. Let's head home-my grandparents are probably waiting for us," Mona said with a brave smile. Gathering her courage, she took Maxwell's hand. They'd already hugged, so holding hands shouldn't be a big deal, right? She silently hoped he wouldn't be cruel enough to pull away. Maxwell glanced down at their intertwined fingers, his chest swelling with a sense